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The modernised solution will give the council, South Wales Police, and other emergency organisations such as the local fire and ambulance services the ability to respond to issues such as anti-social behaviour quickly and efficiently.

The camera network has been fully replaced with a full high definition digital provision using transmission networks which have significantly reduced operating costs.

With the investment in the service and reduced operating costs of the technology, the council has also been able to review the operating model of the CCTV service.  As a result the council is pleased to confirm the return of the service to 24/7, 365 days a year active monitoring in contrast to the reduced service that has operated following years of austerity.

The cameras, which are in place across Neath and Port Talbot town centres, on the Aberavon Seafront and in Briton Ferry, feature the very latest technology providing the council with a range of benefits including crime prevention, reducing security costs, deterring vandalism and providing clear, high definition footage for evidence in court.

With the new system, the council has also been able to expand its cover which now includes Neath’s Multi-Storey Car Park and is actively exploring other opportunities.  The CCTV control room has a new, purpose designed monitor wall, allowing improved monitoring capability for the CCTV Emergency Response controllers.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Alun Llewelyn, said: “Strengthening community safety arrangements and improving public spaces has always been a priority for our Rainbow Coalition.

“I am delighted that our modernised CCTV system, along with the return to 24/7, 365 days a year monitoring, will lead improvements in CCTV coverage, which will play a part in keeping people safe and help to prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour.

“An effective CCTV system is an important part of keeping people safe and while it can identify those who have carried out crimes, more importantly it will act as a deterrent, discouraging people from committing offences in the first place.”

The new CCTV system has been paid for by Neath Port Talbot Council and will be monitored by members of council staff in their upgraded control room. The new system has already been involved in combating criminal activity such as burglary, anti-social behaviour and assaults and has helped with arson investigations.

Key benefits of the upgraded service include:

· Enhanced town centre safety.

· Improving public perception of safety in town centre areas.

· Reducing anti-social behaviour.

· Targeted response and assistance in police operations to tackle anti-social behaviour in town centres.

· Support for users of the Storenet radio system, helping businesses via CCTV where required (for instance tackling shoplifting and identifying potential issues before they occur).

· The ability to aid police in ongoing investigations.

As well as offering lowering operating costs, the new CCTV system will allow the council to explore income generation and cost cutting opportunities including alarm monitoring for council owned buildings and schools.

The system also allows for CCTV feeds directly from civic buildings assisting in property monitoring – aimed at reducing security costs.