Two CCTV cameras have been relocated to improve coverage in 'blind spot' areas.

Salisbury CCTV, which is jointly funded by Salisbury City Council and Salisbury BID, has relocated two pan tile and zoom cameras to Salisbury Market Place and the junction of Barnard Street and Trinity Street.

Funding for the project has come from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Salisbury City Council.

Barnard Street and Trinity Place, as well as the Market Place, have been identified as ‘blind spots’ when it comes to CCTV coverage in the city.

Alabare Place, which provides accommodation to homeless people and is situated at Barnard Street, has experienced 11.11 per cent of all crime in the city centre during April and July – almost twice as much as the same time period last year. These reports ranged from anti-social behaviour, violence and drug dealing.

The relocation of the two CCTV cameras will support Salisbury residents and give the CCTV Operatives maximum coverage and a better picture quality, the council says.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Mr Macpherson, said: “The important role that CCTV plays in helping the force identify offenders and keep people safe within our communities should not be underestimated, therefore I am really pleased to have been able to support the relocation of these CCTV cameras which will further enhance the CCTV coverage of Salisbury city centre. This is particularly important as the clocks go back next weekend, and the number of hours of darkness each day increase.

Insp Pete Sparrow said: "We are extremely grateful to the PCC and Salisbury City Council for supporting the funding of the relocation of two CCTV cameras in Salisbury. These cameras are now up and running and providing invaluable coverage of the area which will help us identify offenders and respond quickly to any escalating issues. Working closely with local stakeholders, we identified some of the high demand areas where CCTV would be beneficial and a number of measures to improve community safety - including enhanced CCTV - were identified. I hope the public feel reassured by this news - it is just one example of our commitment to keeping the people of Salisbury safe.

“Despite these cameras now being in place, officers will continue to conduct high visibility patrols in the areas to provide further reassurance as well as act as a deterrent to those intent on committing crime.”

Cllr Sven Hocking, chairman of Salisbury City Council’s Services Committee said: “I welcome the repositioning of the CCTV cameras particularly the on the Trinity Street & Love Lane junction, which combined with an increased local security presence, will significantly reduce the antisocial behaviour experienced by local residents.”

Salisbury CCTV has recently celebrated its second year in operation. A team of operatives monitor the CCTV system at key times in the communications hub inside the CCTV control room at Bourne Hill.