A NEW state-of-the-art CCTV system has been launched in Inverclyde in a move officials hope will address previous performance issues.

Inverclyde Council has invested £75,000 in a suite of digital cameras to improve the reliability of the system and reduce running costs.

In February the Telegraph revealed that the local camera network had been failing to properly record and retain footage for months.

The network of 52 cameras includes mobile camera units that can be deployed to areas as and when required to provide reassurance and resilience.

OTHER NEWS: Inverclyde Council SNP group call for anti-sectarian workshops

The system is run in partnership with Police Scotland which provides a financial contribution towards the infrastructure and also hosts the CCTV suite at Greenock Police Station.

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro)

Councillors Paul Cassidy and David Wilson yesterday paid a visit to the station to see the new system in actions and speak to the trained operators who regularly monitor the network for any emergency incidents.

Councillor Cassidy, who is Inverclyde Council's vice-convener of environment and regeneration, said: "The reliability issues with the previous system were well-documented, and action was needed.

“Thanks to the new system, reliability has vastly improved.

"We now have more modern cameras with enhanced capabilities, along with reduced running costs for the council.

"Last year, CCTV was proposed as a council budget-saving measure.

"However, after listening to the views of residents and partners, I'm pleased that we have not only retained public realm CCTV but also invested in a more modern and reliable system that benefits all of Inverclyde and is reflective of our commitment to community safety."

(Image: George Munro)

The cameras are used by the council and police in the interests of community safety and crime prevention.

As well as acting as a crime deterrent and a tool for investigating incidents, the CCTV system also assists with things like tracing missing people and preventing harm of vulnerable people.

Police and council boss say the footage will only be used and stored if necessary for the purposes of investigating crime, otherwise it will be erased from the system after a period of time.

Councillor David Wilson, convener of Inverclyde Council's police and fire scrutiny panel, told the Telegraph he was very impressed with what he had been shown.

(Image: George Munro)

He said: “I visited the Police HQ at Govan and witnessed the CCTV in the two major incident rooms.

“Our system is clearer and more up to date.”

He added: "This is a substantial investment by the council in a system which is much more fit-for-purpose and such a valuable tool for our staff and our police colleagues.

"My thanks to the experienced and diligent staff here at Greenock Police Station who we rely on to operate the system and who play a pivotal role in keeping Inverclyde safe."

(Image: George Munro)

New cameras were installed across the network earlier this year.

Council chiefs say their modern capabilities mean better reliability, quality, and reduced running costs.

Chief Inspector David Doherty, Inverclyde area commander, said: "The new CCTV system in Greenock is another vital tool for deterring and detecting crime within the community.

"I am confident that having this new system in place will help keep people safe.

"I can assure you that we will utilise it to its full potential to assist in detecting offenders and addressing local issues."