FOREST fields residents have started a campaign against the introduction of CCTV in their area.

Council cash for the cameras has been found following a three-year petition organised by the chairman of the Link-up Community charity shop.

Residents are currently being consulted before cameras are installed, but a rival group has now formed its own campaign opposing the plans.

"It feels like it's a reaction to a problem in the area rather than a positive step to actually prevent that kind of problem happening," said Dave Silvester, who lives near to where one of the cameras would be sited.

"It will move it into the adjacent streets without doing anything to prevent it happening in the first place. If there's money to be spent in the area it would be better spent on alternatives like youth provision."

The three 20ft camera masts would be sited at the corner of Berridge Road and Burford Road, opposite 'Linked in'; at the junction of Berridge Road with Leslie Road; and at the junction of Gladstone Street and Foxhall Road.

A presentation about the CCTV cameras was held at Djanogly City Academy.

Stella Hopkins, the charity shop chairman who started the pro-CCTV campaign, argues the cameras will make people safer and cut down on crime. She cites problems including litter, drinking on the streets and muggings.

Beat manager for the area Mark Tindall also described the plans as "one of the best things to happen in Forest Fields."

But Mr Silvester, who has been mugged in Forest Fields himself, argued the presence of CCTV cameras could actually make people feel less safe.

"When I walk down a street and see a CCTV camera it kind of says 'this is an area that has problems'," Mr Silvester said.

"It says it's a dangerous area and I don't really get that feeling around Forest Fields.

"Of all the suburbs around Nottingham city centre Forest Fields is one of the nicer ones and is relatively safe."

Statistics from Notts Police show that the Forest Fields beat has an average level of crime compared to the rest of the county, and crime has actually dropped by 19.2% compared to this time last year. The levels of burglaries, robberies, vehicle crime, violence and anti-social behaviour are all average.

Anti-CCTV leaflets have been posted through doors and consultation leaflets have been distributed by Nottingham City Council.

caroline.lowbridge@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk