Lighting stays on for CCTV

Lights are being left on in a Telford street for 24 hours a day while police investigate anti-social behaviour.They are being used to power CCTV cameras in the Willowfield area of Woodside, council officials said.

Resident Colin Meyrick, 55, criticised the lights being left on for so long.

"The street lights are on to drive the cameras, which is a bit stupid," he said.

"They leave every single light on. They leave the whole grid on 24 hours a day. It's a total waste of money."

Telford & Wrekin Council spokeswoman Laura Taylor said: "The police have asked Telford & Wrekin Council to switch street lighting on for 24 hours on a temporary basis in Willowfield.

"This is so CCTV cameras can be installed on street lights while anti-social behaviour in the area is being investigated.

"Unfortunately the only way to power the cameras is to switch on street lighting."

Acting Inspector Paul Franks, of Telford Police, said: "We have extended our work with the CCTV cameras in Willowfield following consultation with the local community.

"In terms of anti-social behaviour, the Willowfield area still registers quite highly in the statistics and therefore we feel it right to continue our efforts there and extend our use of the CCTV cameras."