CCTV cameras across South Ayrshire are set to receive an upgrade as part of a £400,000 investment project.
A total of 47 outdated public space CCTV cameras in Ayr, Prestwick, Troon, Maybole and Girvan will be changed, as well as the introduction of 10 redeployable cameras in the region.
These 10 mobile cameras can be moved to different communities and used at local events as needed.
Ayr North will be the first location to receive new cameras, with nine being installed over the coming weeks.
The state-of-the-art cameras feature powerful 4 MP resolution and where required, wireless 4G connectivity.
They are said to be robust and have excellent low-light performance.
The upgrade follows concerns last year that CCTV monitoring in the area was scaled back with council staff redeployed to focus mainly on community alarms.
Ayrshire Live reported in October last year that the cameras were left unmanned at the CCTV recording facility at McCalls Avenue Business Centre, which relocated from Ayr’s now-demolished John Pollock Centre.
The new cameras will be installed and maintained by CCTV and surveillance systems specialists North.
Police Scotland has been involved in the CCTV upgrade initiative, as part of the internal project team.
Chief Inspector Kevin Lammie, local area commander for South Ayrshire, welcomed the news, adding: “It is a valuable asset in ensuring people feel safe within our communities.”
Councillor Martin Dowey, leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “The upgrade will provide us with a modern and reliable system. I have no doubt the new cameras will benefit our communities.”
Councillor Martin Kilbride, the buildings, housing and environment portfolio holder for the council, said: “The upgrade of the cameras in Ayr North is phase one of this important project.
"We will continue to work with North and Police Scotland to ensure the cameras meet all our needs.”
The upgrade is part of the council’s South Ayrshire way strategic change programme. A number of projects hope to deliver long-term improvements across a range of local authority services.
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