11:58am Wednesday 11th November 2009
EMERGENCY crime updates and safety messages are being beamed via a series of TV screens in shops, surgeries and cafes.
The Cherwell Community TV pilot scheme has been set up by police, Cherwell District Council and Cherwell Safer Communities Partnership).
Eleven screens showing national and local news, sport, community advice and local information and topical crime reduction advice, went live last week.
The estimated £18,000-a year-running costs are being met by the Government.
Police hope that emergency appeals, such as missing children, will be screened directly to relevant areas.
There are three plasma screens in Bicester, two in Kidlington, five in Banbury and one in Yarnton. If they prove successful, the pilot scheme could be expanded across Oxfordshire.
Supt Howard Stone, Thames Valley Police’s Cherwell commander, said: “In the event of an emergency, where there is a need to immediately address people within a specific area, we will be able to use the Community TV to instantly send out a message.
“This is something that could prove essential in locating a missing child or gathering information on crimes and also enable us to reassure members of the public.”
It is the first scheme of its kind in Oxfordshire but similar operations exist in Essex, Berkshire and Kent.
The plasma screens will be at Wyevale Garden Centre, in Bicester Avenue, Bicester; Bicester & Ploughley Sports Centre, in Queen’s Avenue, Bicester; North Bicester Surgery, in Bure Park, Bicester; Exeter Surgery, in Oxford Road, Kidlington; Gosford Hill Medical Centre, in Oxford Road, Kidlington, and Yarnton Medical Practice, in The Garth, Yarnton.
Nigel Morris, Cherwell’s portfolio holder for community safety, street scene and rural services, said: “These new screens will provide another method for us to get our message out into the community.
“But this facility is not just available to the police and local councils; it has the potential to benefit all public sector organisations, including the NHS and fire service.
“And our partners in this venture — the stores, leisure centres, surgeries and so on — can take pride in knowing they are doing even more to serve their communities.”
Wyevale Garden Centre manager Adrian Drake said: “It’s a little too early to tell what effect it is going to have, but I’m very supportive.”
Caroline Jones, practice manager at Exeter Surgery, said: “These are a good idea because lots of people pass through the surgery.
“Hopefully we can put up our own updates on health as well.”
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