CCTV plans to tackle vandalism at Norwich Castle
Sam EmanuelA spate of vandalism at Norwich Castle has prompted an application for new CCTV cameras to be installed in the area to preserve the historic building and the surrounding gardens.Sam Emanuel
A spate of vandalism at Norwich Castle has prompted an application for new CCTV cameras to be installed in the area to preserve the historic building and the surrounding gardens.
Norfolk County Council has applied for permission to put six 5m tall camera poles around Castle Mound in the city centre in a bid to deter the vandals and provide information to police about criminals.
The poles, which will have a contemporary swan neck design to fit in with the archways on Norwich Castle, have been designed with the help of English Heritage and Norwich City Council's conservation officer.
Rachel Kirk, Norwich museums manager, said: 'There have been a number of incidents involving the feature lift from the Castle Gardens to the mound including wilful damage to the glass housing and to the lift itself, also the removal of the stonework structure around the lift.
'Whilst the lift is made safe and/or repaired, physical access to the mound and Norwich Castle is compromised. The glazed housing is bespoke and it is often many months before a glass panel can be manufactured and replaced, and whilst the temporary wooden housing does not prevent the lift being used, it is very unattractive. The glass panels are also very expensive to replace. Norwich Castle itself has also suffered from vandalism in the form of graffiti.
'It is hoped that CCTV cameras on the mound will act as a deterrent, as well as providing information which can be used by the police with regards any future incidents.
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'They are intended to be as unobtrusive as possible and have been placed in positions where they will be the least obtrusive whilst providing CCTV coverage all around the top of the mound.'
There are currently two external CCTV cameras at the castle - one by the side staff entrance and one in the feature lift.
The proposal also includes paved pathways from fire doors, which will improve access to the castle for disabled people. At the moment, the majority of the surface of the mound is gravel.
The application will be considered at a date yet to be decided.
Are you being targeted by vandals? Call reporter Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk.
