Approximately three weeks ago, the cctv warning signs photographed below appeared all over Stokes Croft. Already, some of them have been torn down.
It is unclear whose initiative this was, but certainly local people were not consulted. Whilst most of the local community agrees that we need more, and sensitive policing, most disagree that this type of signage has any positive effect, rather reinforcing the incorrect notion that Stokes Croft is a particularly dangerous area. Jon Rogers, our local councillor, said in an e-mail to Graham Fox of Avon and Somerset Police:
I have had a number of requests to remove the recently installed CCTV signs in Stokes Croft. They add to the feel of oppression, rather than increase feelings of safety. They appeared without discussion with ward councillors and I agree that they do not fit in with the sort of character we are trying to develop in Stokes Croft. They have a BCC logo, but I understand from a conversation with a council officer that the signs were installed by the Police as part of a Safer Bristol initiative?
IF YOU BELIEVE THAT THESE SIGNS ARE UNHELPFUL, AND ARE VISUAL, PLEASE E-MAIL Jon Rogers and Mark Wright, OUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS, TO TELL THEM THEY SHOULD GO!
Anna Minton, who has recently written a book on Fear and Happiness in the Urban Environment, visited Bristol and Stokes Croft last week to speak about her work at the Arnolfini and is convinced of the negative effects of CCTV on society.
These are the remaining signs in Stokes Croft. Please help us to remove them buy e-mailing our local councillors, even if your first inclination is to shin up a ladder and tear them down…
Yea noticed these sign been happenin for a long time i’ve been documentin them. Its breedin fear. Dont feed the fear feed love. Soz its late will leave links to images 2morrow
I was appalled to see all those CCTV warning signs which have been put up in Stokes Croft. I think they are VERY intimidating and I am very disappointed to hear that local people were not consulted before they were posted all over the area. What IS going on?
I visit this lively,artistic, friendly and multicultural area frequently and have NEVER felt uncomfortable or intimidated in any way; quite the contrary, I love to see the changing art scene, I enjoy the unusual and quirky atmosphere of the place and the tolerant and independent character of the folk who are happy to live there.
In conclusion I very much hope that these signs will be removed as soon as possible as I feel they have a damaging effect on the confidence of both residents and visitors alike. Yours sincerely, Betty Chalkley
anna minton’s reaction to stokes croft and cabot circus:
http://annaminton.blogspot.com/2009/10/stokescroft-and-cabot-circus.html
Have they been put there as a response to recent crime activity? Have they gone up in other areas of the centre?
I complained to the council several months ago about 6 (that I knew of) exact same cards strapped to lamp posts along the Bristol /Bath Railway path between Lawrance Hill Sation and Easton.
I complained to my local councilor who forward by mail to the council.
My complaint was that I believed it to be an act of vandalism against the natural beauty of the path and that it was more likely to terrify passers by than reassure them.
In fairness both my councillor and replyed and saying it would be considered.
Most signs, possible all have now been removed – of course the camera has stayed.
Test .. My post not printing
In st paul’s its the same. They been appearing everywhere http://moblog.net/view/883559/plse-disperse-of-yourselfs-after-reading-signs
My god! Something I actually agree with the PSRC about!! Of course the signs should be removed. More importantly, the cameras need to go. The invasion of privacy is no substitute for proper policing.