New CCTV in bid to slow Market Drayton boy racers
New CCTV has been installed in Market Drayton in a bid to tackle the ongoing issue of boy racers in the area.
Police officers in Market Drayton have worked with Shropshire Council to set up temporary CCTV in the Towers Lawn car park for about four months.
Constable Mick Sturland, of the town's safer neighbourhood team, said the CCTV would hopefully help to deter and capture people who show examples of poor and anti-social driving.
He said: "The temporary CCTV camera has been installed on Towers Lawn car park to address the anti-social behaviour of a minority of 'boy racers'. It is important that people report further issues to us on 101.
"We are able to download footage via Shropshire Council to assist in evidence gathering but need to know when further incidents occur."
This summer, the town's first ever Drayton Drivers event was attended by more than 60 people. It was organised as another step to tackle the boy racer issue in Market Drayton.
At the event there were competitions, car displays, rescue demonstrations and a chance to speak to vehicle experts.
The issue has been causing a problem in the town for years, with residents complaining about engine noise late at night.
Constable Sturland said there have been fewer reports of anti-social driving recently due to increased awareness and CCTV presence.
He added: "The situation is a lot better at the moment which is due to the summer being nearly over and the weather is worsening, which are contributory factors."
Police said that they take incidents of dangerous driving "very seriously" and have urged members of the public who see similar incidents to contact them.
Previously Elaine Pearse, of Queen Street, said she was too scared to take her dogs for a walk at night because of the drivers who she says used the town like a racing circuit.
Last year police said they would use new powers to crack down on speeding motorists and boy racers following a rise in complaints in Market Drayton. Police also issued an appeal calling for people to get in touch about issues of boy racers.The problems saw residents near the Towers Lawn and Queen Street car parks complain about engine noises late at night.Anyone with information about anti-social driving should Contact police on 101.
