Betws-y-Coed installs CCTV in battle against bridge jumpers

Mar 25 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Pont y Pair

A NEW CCTV system linked directly to North Wales Police will help catch out irresponsible bridge jumpers who risk their lives in a Conwy Valley village.

The camera is just one part of a major crack-down on antisocial behaviour in the area along with a multi-agency enforcement group which is in the process of being established.

It is hoped both the CCTV and enforcement group, made up of local police team members and County Council officers, will tackle the issue of people jumping off Pon-y-Pair bridge in the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed.

“CCBC licensing department, is looking to put together an enforcement group to patrol the bridge at busy times,” explained local County Cllr Liz Roberts.

“CCBC is to establish this joint multi-agency team, made up local groups including North Wales Police, Conwy County Council, local residents and focus group members by mid-April.

“The team will focus on several local priorities, including the issue of bridge jumpers and general anti-social behaviour around Pont-y-Pair bridge and will be available seven days a week.

“The new camera went into use as from this week, and it will now relay pictures to the Police CCTV control room in Rhyl and can be accessed by the directly by the Police.

“It is hoped to have an alarm system fitted to the system so that as someone hits in the water the alarm will be activated and be transferred to the Police and control room.

“This will make a big difference to alerting both the police and enforcement team.”

The CCTV camera, located on the bridge, will collect evidence.

Cllr Roberts added: “This evidence demonstrates that the issue of bridge jumping has become an anti social behaviour along with consumption of alcohol fuelling the use of foul language, etc.

“Having exhausted all other options at this moment in time, I am delighted that we have been able to install a portable CCTV camera.

“It will be linked to the main CCTV control room and will provide many benefits in monitoring and supervising the area.

“This has been a true partnership approach between CCBC, the Community Council and the Police and I would like to personally thank all of the officers involved.”

Local police team CBM Mark Howell-Wamsley added: “We are taking a zero- tolerance approach to all acts of antisocial behaviour in the area including bridge jumping.

“Anyone caught could face a penalty notice and possible court action.”