CCTV to help reduce rail crime

Security cameras will be installed at a Shropshire railway station to cut down on crime and improve safety, it was revealed today.

Central Trains and Shropshire County Council will install the CCTV system at Shifnal station. The move follows complaints from residents and councillors.

The cameras will cost more than £30,000 and will cover the tunnel, walkway and car park.

Dave Koring, county council rail officer, said: "We are delighted with the introduction of CCTV cameras at Shifnal railway station.

"We are confident the cameras will help reduce incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour and make Shifnal a safer place for residents and commuters."

Central Trains will install the cameras over the next few months, which will be monitored in real time at a control centre in Shifnal town centre. Shropshire County Council is contributing £30,000 towards the cost of the CCTV system.

Mike Haigh, director of business development at Central Trains, said: "We are pleased to support this latest CCTV initiative. This is a great boost to Shifnal station and should improve security and safety for passengers and commuters."

Youngsters causing a nuisance by hanging around the station have been a concern in Shifnal for some time.

Police introduced a Section 30 Dispersal Zone in January to enable them to move on people acting in an anti-social manner. The order runs until April 30 and covers public spaces around the railway station, Aston Street and Cheapside.