A petition has been launched opposing Warrington Borough Council’s proposals to leave the town centre CCTV unmanned as part of cost-cutting measures.
The proposals revealed in the council’s draft budget have received widespread condemnation, including from Cheshire Police’s Chief Constable Mark Roberts, who also publicly criticised the council over lack of consultation.
It is one of many proposals being put forward to plug a huge funding shortfall due to failed investments.
It is also becoming apparent that the proposals have been put forward by the |Government envoys, sent in by the Government in a bid to balance the books, with little of no thought on the impacts.
The petition has been launched by Andrea Morley from Warrington Bid, the organisation funded by local town centre businesses to promote the town centre.
The online petition states: “The safety and security of Warrington town centre sits at the heart of everything Warrington Business Improvement District (BID) does. The council’s recent budget proposal to leave the CCTV control room unmanned represents a direct threat to that mission and a serious risk to the safety of our community, businesses, and visitors.
“The presence of a manned CCTV control room in our town centre plays a crucial role in the monitoring and prevention of crime. It acts as a deterrent for criminal activities and provides immediate intervention in emergencies. Statistics indicate that areas with active surveillance see a notable decrease in incidents of theft, violence, and anti-social behaviour. Unmanning the control room could lead to a surge in such incidents, compromising the safety of businesses, residents, and visitors.
“During 2025, the CCTV-controlled room identified and responded to 6,000 incidents, leading to 600 arrests and these figures would fall substantially if the system was left in passive mode, unmanned.
“We urge Warrington Borough Council to reconsider this decision and continue to support the manning of the CCTV control room. Ensuring a safe town centre isn’t just beneficial for businesses, it’s essential for the entire community’s well-being.
“Join us in preserving the safety and vitality of Warrington by signing this petition. Every signature counts and represents a voice for the security and prosperity of our town. Your support is invaluable in making sure that Warrington remains a safe place for everyone.”
The petition has also received backing from Golden Square, who issued a statement today saying: “We’re sharing We Are Warrington BID’s serious concern about Warrington Borough Council’s recent budget proposal to leave the town centre CCTV control room unmanned.
“A staffed CCTV control room is not just “nice to have”. It is a frontline safety measure that helps deter crime, supports quicker responses in emergencies, and gives the police and partners the best chance of intervening when something is unfolding in real time.
“In 2025 alone, the CCTV control room identified and responded to around 6,000 incidents, leading to 600 arrests. If the system is left running in passive mode without trained staff monitoring it, those outcomes will inevitably reduce, and the risk to businesses, residents and visitors increases.
“We’re urging Warrington Borough Council to reconsider this proposal and continue supporting a manned CCTV control room. A safer town centre protects people first, and it also protects livelihoods, local businesses, and confidence in coming into Warrington.
“If you agree, please add your voice by signing the petition. Every signature is a clear message that safety in our town centre matters.”
Within an hour of being launched, the petition had already achieved three figures.
To sign the petition, CLICK HERE
Chief Constable speaks out on plans to close CCTV control room
1 Comment
This council don’t care about anything ? Obviously public safety isn’t on their list .
Desperate for money to pay off the massive debt they’ve created