A world first in camera technology pioneered in Ashfield is now being replicated across the country to make people feel safer when out on the streets.

The Refuge Point camera system combines CCTV with the ability for a member of the public to instantly speak to someone in the CCTV control room in an emergency,

The technology was developed from scratch and installed in Sutton earlier this year following funding through the Home Office’s Safer Streets programme.

It was part of a project led by Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry to make the streets of Ashfield safer.

Wireless CCTV, the company that was commissioned to create the devices, has now been inundated with orders and requests from across the country.

Caroline said: “The idea was a trail-blazer and it came from talking to women in focus groups about what we could do to make women and girls feel safe in public spaces.

“They told us that, when they went out, they would try to walk through public places, where they knew shops would be open, so they could get help in an emergency, or if they felt they were being followed.

“But when shops were closed, this meant they felt less safe as there were fewer places to get help.

“That’s what sparked the idea of having a highly-visible CCTV camera system that gave people an instant and 24-hour direct line to the control room.

“At the time there was nothing on the market that combined CCTV and communications technology in this way — so we got in touch with Wireless CCTV to see if they could create it. They rose to the challenge and the success we have had here in Nottinghamshire has led to other areas across the country following in our footsteps.”

Ashfield District Council worked closely with the commissioner on the Safer Streets programme, which saw three refuge points installed in Sutton earlier this year.

The council is now planning to install two more in Kirkby and Hucknall after further funding was secured by the commissioner’s office.

Antonio Taylor, community safety manager at the council, added: “We have spearheaded a number of successful projects through the Safer Streets initiative to improve feelings of public safety across the district.

“We have received local, national, and international interest in relation to the Safe Point cameras, with security specialists in Queensland, Australia, recently contacting us about the work that is being delivered in Ashfield.”

As well as the Refuge Points, Ashfield District Council previously worked with the commissioner to use Safer Streets funding to introduce an innovative Safe Space scheme at more than 40 retailers and business across Sutton.
This gave training to staff in how to support women and girls who might come to them for help, and each business was given CCTV outside their shops for added protection.

Thes scheme will also be expanded into Kirkby. Other initiatives being implemented in Kirkby include automatic number plate recognition cameras at key locations to help police, street lighting, and environmental improvements to make people feel safer at night.

The Safer Streets funding will also fund youth work and diversionary activities to try to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Insp Jon Hewitt, district commander for Ashfield, said: “It’s great to hear that the refuge point camera system that was implemented in my area thanks to the funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner is being rolled out nationally and even getting international interest.

“These CCTV cameras give people that added bit of security that if they’re out walking alone and need help or to contact us quickly, they can just press a button and will be straight through to our control room.”