A STATE of the art CCTV system is coming to key locations in Cumbria - with seven scheduled to arrive in Kendal before March 2015.


A total of 53 cameras will be installed around the county at an estimated cost of £2.5million.


Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “I am pleased to announce that Tellemachus Limited has been awarded the contract to implement, operate  and maintain an innovative county wide CCTV solution for a period of seven years.


“The next step will be for Tellemachus to undertake analysis of the sites where the CCTVs are proposed to be hosted. 


“The CCTV project is a good example of the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner, Cumbria Constabulary and the six district councils working together in collaboration furthering public safety.”


Chief Constable Jerry Graham said: “I am pleased with how the CCTV project is developing  and the signing of the contract is an important step in providing the best CCTV system for Cumbria we can afford. CCTV will help us to keep Cumbria a safe place to live, work and visit.


“The numbers of cameras planned in each area are as follows: 15 in Carlisle, 3 in Penrith, 7 in Kendal, 12 in Barrow, 7 in Whitehaven, and 9 in Workington/Maryport. We will release the exact locations once final planning approval has been confirmed.


“The number and location of cameras throughout Cumbria was decided following analysis of incidents dealt with by police, through consultation with neighbourhood policing teams and funding made available through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, District Councils and Cumbria Constabulary.


“The CCTV system has been designed for future expansion as appropriate and if additional funding becomes available.”


“The new system will provide consistent and improved CCTV coverage across Cumbria.  CCTV is an important tool to help solve crime and keep our local communities safe.”