A CCTV camera is set to be reinstated at Wathen Wigg Bridge in Northampton following a review of safety concerns in the area. West Northamptonshire Council announced the move on 13 May 2026, aiming to deter crime and anti-social behaviour while providing reassurance to local residents.
The camera, which overlooks the bridge in the town centre, has been out of service for 13 years. It was originally switched off in 2013 by the former Northampton Borough Council due to maintenance costs and low levels of reported crime at the time.
The decision to restore the surveillance follows a review by the West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership. This group includes the council, Northamptonshire Police, and other local health and emergency services. Cllr Charlie Hastie, the council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, stated that recent incidents in the area provided clear justification for bringing the camera back into operation.
Local MP for Northampton North, Lucy Rigby, confirmed the council’s commitment to the project after making representations on behalf of constituents. The area saw significant attention following a major investigation launched on 1 August 2025, when 57-year-old Robert Brown was found fatally injured near the bridge. That investigation concluded in February 2026 that the death was likely accidental.
The council is currently identifying funding for the equipment, with installation expected to take place within the next few months.
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