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CCTV PROJECT


The CCTV Project constitution was drawn up on January 18th, 2005 and signed by David J. Bird (Chair), Jane Sharp (Vice Chair), Tony Franckeiss (Secretary) and Geoff Terry (Treasurer). It is hoped that those who support Barmouth and this project might be able to join together in some way to promote the project and help keep the momentum going, contributing resources, financial or otherwise to ensure its success. Some recent changes to the CCTV team include Deana Fisher (Chairperson) and Glenn Fisher, Wendy Richards (Secretary) and Dai Richards.

In other news, David Bird's resignation was noted in the minutes on 24th July 2006. The new Chairman will be Kevin McArdle and the Vice Chair will be Cllr Deanna Fisher. The work of the group was discussed and plans for the future were made. A new member has been recruited to the dedicated and hard working team . Plans were set for further installations to be made in September 2006, which will complete the programme of work for the year. If you would like to add to this page please send information by clicking on webmaster.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Watch this space for announcements.

FUND RAISING

The total scheme cost has been established at £32,000. Efforts continue and events that have been recorded via the news on the barmouth.com web site have raised the following amounts. Any ideas or contribution would be gratefully received as the effort continues. Please send contributions to Geoff Terry (Treasurer) at the following address: Maes Canol, Llanaber, Nr Barmouth, Gwynedd LL42 1YS.

TOTAL RAISED SO FAR (July, 2006): £6,783.97

August 13th, 2006 - Car Boot Sale - (Min-y-Mor) - £TBD
July 17th, 2006 - Choir Concert - "Cantorion Enddwyn" (Dragon Theatre) - £TBD
July 16th, 2006 - Car boot sale (Min-y-Mor) - £TBD
May 6th, 2006 - "Retrospecs" (Buffs) - £163
April 22nd, 2006 - "60's Night" (Buffs) - £300
February 25th, 2006 - "Motown Night" (Buffs) - £456
December 10th, 2005 - "Full Monty" revisited (Buffs) - £1,126
December 3rd, 2005 - Christmas Show (Dragon Theatre) - £500
November 19th, 2005 - Raffle (Tal-y-Don) - £100.97
October 28th, 2005 - Halloween Party (Buffs) - £270
Sept, 2005 - Cor Meibion Ardudwy event - £663
June, 2005 - "Full Monty" event - £930
May, 2005 - Line dance donated £50
March, 2005 - RAOB event - £725
Feb, 2005 - Chamber of Trade - £1500

HISTORY OF PROJECT

16th Aug, 2004 - It was noted that the community safety group set up by Communities First is meeting on a regular basis and is drawing people together to solve issues that have developed within the town center. In his report C.B.M. Mike Humphreys reported on the successful deployment of a surveillance camera that was sited in the town. The equipment, owned by Cyngor Gwynedd's Community Safety Group was able to cover a large area and has the capacity to record over long periods giving the option of recorded evidence to back up or refute claims arising from incidents within its scope. The Co-ordinator Danny Jones will be pressing for the reallocation of this valuable tool under the towns Dyna ddigon status.

20th Sept, 2004 - It was announced that the surveillance camera has been returned to it's site in town giving police officers a record of events that can be replayed at any time.

18th Oct, 2004 - A meeting was planned for 7pm on Wednesday 3rd November in the Dragon Theatre. The topic for discussion - “Closed Circuit Television for Barmouth”. Five people attended this initial meeting.

8th Nov, 2004 - Eira Huws the Gwynedd Community Safety Officer talked to those present about the operation and implications of closed circuit television systems. Siting of control monitors, and issues of data protection law were alluded to as issues to be resolved before a system could become operational. A sub group will now be visiting Hendre Park residents association in Caernarfon on December 1st to see the CCTV system that they operate. Fifty people attended this November meeting.

14th Nov, 2004 - Comments made regarding to the possibility of a C.C.T.V. system for the town indicated that the project will probably need to be funded locally. Mike Humphreys confirmed that a secure room would be available for the monitoring equipment at the police station should the need arise.

20th Dec, 2004 - At the December meeting representatives of many of the town’s organisations had the opportunity to observe the operation of the partnership. In a report on the progress of the Safety Forum the partners were advised about the alternatives available in the C.C.T.V. project. One system was seen to be affordable and capable of matching the requirements of the townspeople. It was also noted that the reporting of crime, essential in the detection and solving of problems, was rising steadily in town. Approximately 100 people attended this meeting and a residents association and committee was formed.

18th Jan, 2005 - Constitution drawn and adopted. Will be brought up again at the annual general meeting in one year's time. Allowances have been made for chnages to the constitution. The name of the association was decided - "Gwarchod Bermo Watch".

31st Jan, 2005 - At a meeting on Saturday last a decision was made by those present that £1500 should be given to the closed circuit television project being administered by “Gwarchod Bermo Watch” a sub committee of the Community Safety Partnership. It was further decided that an amount be retained in the Chamber’s bank account to provide start up funds for a new business in the community organisation. It has been realised that the old format of the Chamber of trade is no longer relevant to the needs of businesses in Barmouth. It is hoped that interested individuals with new ideas will make themselves known to the Treasurer Mrs Shelagh Jarman at Wavecrest hotel, the Secretary Mrs Pat Bennett of Water Street or to the Vice President Sue Benford Moore. Alternatively contact may be made via Danny Jones, Communities First co-ordinator on 280979.

13th Feb, 2005 - The C.C.T.V. group which meets regularly is opening a bank account: the Chamber of Trade has agreed to donate £1,500 to this scheme. The group also has other gifts & donations.

21st Feb, 2005 - Gwarchod Bermo Watch are actively pursuing funds to install C.C.T.V. systems throughout the town. Grants are available for part of the cost but the town must raise a proportion itself. In the initial phase cameras will be sited in the town centre and on the council estate in areas identified as being the most problematic. As reported recently the Chamber of Trade gave £1500 towards the total scheme cost of £32,000.

Members of Gwarchod will be visiting every house and every business to seek support and financial contributions. The group feel that everyone will benefit from the security these cameras provide since the evidence they collect is admissible in a court of law. This will make detection and prosecution far easier for the police who will not need to seek or persuade witnesses to stand up in court. The representatives calling will be known to most people they are: Rita Hunter, Jane Sharp and Deana Fisher. Donations can also be made to Gwarchod Bermo Watch via their Chairman Dave Bird at Wannabees.

27th Feb, 2005 - The visits to houses and businesses around the area have produced positive support for the campaign to create a network of CCTV cameras that will, progressively, cover the whole town. If anyone needs convincing of the value of these systems they are invited to attend the next Gwarchod Bermo Watch meeting which will be held on March 7th at 7-00pm in the Min y Mor. A number of ideas are being worked upon to raise funds, several will be social events that should appeal to a wide audience.

6th March, 2005 - A presentation on the Gwarchod Barmouth Watch was given by Dave Bird, their Chairman. He explained that the setting up of the CCTV project in Barmouth was now in the second of three phases. It is hoped that two cameras will be up and working by Easter with many more to follow. Visits to homes and businesses by Gwarchod members have proved very productive. Widespread support for the scheme exists though a few had been sceptical until it was explained to them that innocent people can be vindicated by the cameras where a malicious accusation has been made; the cameras prove who was not as well as who was in an area at a certain time. The system will make sure that the right people are targeted for investigation, saving time and cost to the authorities and resolving conflicting reports from witnesses.

28th March, 2005 - The RAOB club hosted the latest fund raising event by Gwarchod Bermo Watch as they continue to raise money for the CCTV system that is to be installed around town. The organizers are keen to express their thanks to the club for their help. Dion Griffiths, brought the house down with his hilarious tribute act as Chubby B Brown while Konan and Gareth provided an excellent selection of music for the evening; Charlie Slaney provided technical skills. All are thanked by the group for their contribution to the great success of the event. A raffle formed part of the fun, with prizes generously donated by businesses in the town, for which they too are thanked. A total of £725 was raised in one night. The organizers, Jayne Berridge, Rita Hunter and Deana Fisher, are now working on plans for the next function which they hope will equal this one in popularity. The organizers deserve congratulations for this achievement. The continued support and interest in the project is much appreciated; the group have found near universal support for their aims as it will then be possible to identify those responsible and those entirely innocent in any future incident covered by a camera.

15th May, 2005 - The innovative fund raisers for Gwarchod Bermo Watch have come up with a novel idea to generate some more money. Working on the principle that people will support a good cause if they can have fun in so doing they have gathered a group of local lads to perform Barmouth’s own “Full Monty”. The brave boys have been in training for a their performance on May 27th at the Buffs Club. They will be supported by Mark Stanton Hughes Disco which he is providing free of charge. The organisers warn that the tickets at £4 each will go very rapidly, they are available, if you are quick, from Fishers in Beach road, Linsey at N.B.S. Allison Booker, Jane Berridge and Rita Hunter. Doors close at 10-30pm so make sure you do not miss a night to remember.

A recent line dance donated £50 towards the CCTV fund. Many residents and businesses have already contributed for which they are thanked by the team. Some houses have not yet been visited as the team of collectors have their own full time jobs and have to use what little free time they have. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at HSBC to the account of Gwarchod Bermo Watch. This is an ongoing project for which grant aid is being pursued.

It was noted that the first phase of CCTV installations had been completed with all units operational and giving excellent resolution pictures. A revised application for further funding will have to be made as the first raised points that needed clarification

13th June, 2005 - After weeks of planning and preparation not to mention practice Barmouth’s first Full Monty team took to the stage in the Buffs on Friday 27th May. They were extremely well supported by Mark Stanton Hughes who provided a brilliant mix of music for the evening. The organisers were thrilled by the reaction of locals who went along and helped make a fantastic atmosphere and a profitable one for the CCTV fund. A massive £930 was raised for which thanks go to all who took part.

Glenn and Deana, Rita and Jayne would like to thank Allison Booker for the choreography and costumes,the Buffs for generously providing the venue, Lynsey from NBS for the tickets Mark Stanton for his time and effort, the shops and businesses of the area for their help and of course the “Monty boys” and their partners; you know who you are! All of these people have given their time and energy to help make Barmouth the safe and friendly community that it should always be. This event was part of an ongoing project to raise money to fund the CCTV scheme. Many have asked for a repeat show and it is hoped that this can be arranged for October; other events are also in the pipeline.

20th June, 2005 - The C.B.M. Mike Humphreys reported that an increase in crime was attributed to a known offender and a group of followers, all of whom were being dealt with, being bailed to answer various offences. He indicated that 15 arrests had taken place during the busy bank holiday weekend. He was keen to stress that the CCTV system is a resource that can be called upon to provide evidence as needed, it is not a big brother, watching responsible citizens 24 hours a day. The equipment is an ally, not a snooping device, it can only be accessed by tightly controlled, limited number of operatives. Both Porthmadog and Blaennau Ffestiniog have shown interest in Barmouth’s system showing that the town is leading the way in community security

27th June, 2005 Have fun and raise money is the philosophy of Gwarchod Bermo. Watch who will, on Wednesday July 6th present a “Mixed Doubles Darts Knockout”. The event will be held in the Tal Y Don where entry for players and viewers will be free. So it will be Turn up and play, no pay. Those wishing to play need to be in the “Taly” by 8-30pm. Even though there is no entry charge for players there will be prizes to be won, there will also be a raffle; the proceeds from which will go to the C.C.T.V. project. At present there are sixteen cameras sited and active in town, this number will rise as funds become available. On the same night there will be a presentation of trophies for the Barmouth Darts League so it should be a really good night out for all.

18th July, 2005 - The CBM Mike Humphreys advised the group that a CRASBO had been granted in the case of a young offender who had been dealt with by the courts though the exclusion provision was not accepted. He mentioned that improvements to the memory on certain of the CCTV units had been increased and that picture quality had been refined.

19th Sept, 2005 Gwarchod Bermo Watch Committee would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone in the town and all who have, and continue to support the CCTV initiative. The committee represents the residents and users of the towns facilities and are eager to hear comments and suggestions from those people on ways to improve the system. Even though the group were unsuccessful in securing a grant from the Gwynedd Council Key Fund they did, with input from Community Beat Manager Mike Humphreys, secure a grant from the Police and Community Trust. The group feel that the response to phase one of the system has been positive and that the cameras have provided evidence in support of prosecutions. The fund raising continues with a concert to be given in the Dragon Theatre on Friday 30th September by Cor Meibion Ardudwy at 7-30pm. Tickets at £5 are on sale now at Fishers on Richmond Court, at Oriel on the High Street and at Over The Rainbow in Beach Road. They can also be bought on the door.

C.B.M. Mike Humphreys reported that a combination of CCTV, Pub Watch bans and the use of £80 fixed penalty fines have resulted in a reduction in the incidences of anti social behaviour

Oct 2nd, 2005 - All the members of Gwarchod Bermo Watch would like to thank Cor Meibion Ardudwy for their outstanding performance last Friday in the Dragon Theatre. The concert was well attended, with an audience of 140. A total of £663 profit was generated which will help fund more CCTV units in Barmouth. Many thanks also to: Barmouth Printers who waived the printing charge for the tickets; to Barmouth Books and Anita for the posters; and to local shops who donated raffle prizes. Finally thanks are sent to Dai and Wendy Richards, Mari O’Rourke, Anne Williams, Lyn Gardner, Melville Penzer, Valerie McArdle, and Mair Jones .Thanks go to Danny Jones who explained the purpose of the concert and who formally thanked the choir at the end of the performance. The organisers were especially happy to see enjoyment of ladies from Hafod Mawddach who were at the show.

The hard working team at Gwarchod Bermo Watch, who should be proud of their achievements recently, spurred on by their success, are now planning a children’s Halloween Disco at the Buffs club, there will be more details soon.

March 8th, 2006 - Wednesday 8th March saw the first AGM of the group. Among those in attendance were Inspector Meirion Ellis of Dolgellau along with Mike Humphreys, Community Beat Manager. Many topics were discussed including the introduction of another three units for the CCTV system each of which will have three cameras. This will help cover all roads in and out of Barmouth and will further assist monitoring to combat recent attempts at trailer and boat theft. Other good news included figures supplied by the Police to the effect that the cameras had resulted in a 23% reduction in call outs and a staggering 78% increase in detection rates. The committee, including Dave Bird, Deana Fisher, Wendy Richards and Geoff Terry would like to thank everybody for the contributions and fund raising efforts over the past 12 months and for everyone's continuing support.

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