CCTV COVERAGE in Milford Haven came under scrutiny as councillors discussed the ‘efficiency and effectiveness’ of the town’s current provision.

The current CCTV system has been in place since 2005, but with the contract about to expire, members had been looking at whether to agree to a five-year contract, which would earn a modest discount – or to pay for a year’s contract while looking at other possibilities.

Cllr Rhys Sinnet said he was concerned that a five-year deal would mean the council’s hands were tied, and the town could be left with ‘old technology that’s not fit for purpose’.

Cllr Stephen Joseph said that some CCTV footage was “woefully inadequate”, and that there was ‘no point’ having it if those being filmed weren’t clearly visible.

Cllr Sinnett added: “We need to probe more deeply as to the actual value of CCTV.”

Members agreed to sign up to a 12-month contract, which will cost around £1,800, but also resolved to contact the Police and Crime Commissioner to ask what he thinks about CCTV and its effectiveness in managing crime.