The head of the local police has warned that a proposal by Warrington Borough Council in Cheshire to close its town centre CCTV control room could lead to more crime and anti-social behaviour. The plan would see live monitoring of the town’s security cameras stop entirely as the council looks to save £220,000.
If the change is approved, cameras would be left in a fixed position to record footage for evidence after a crime has happened. Currently, staff monitor the screens for 110 hours every week so they can spot trouble and help police make arrests as events unfold.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts called the move a significant backwards step that would make it harder to protect the public and businesses. The council is considering the cut as part of a wider plan to address a multi-million pound budget gap during the 2026/27 financial year.
The budget proposal is being discussed at a meeting on February 18, 2026, with a final vote expected to take place on March 2, 2026. Local residents and businesses have been encouraged to contact their councillors if they have concerns about how the changes might affect safety in the town centre.
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