I live next to the Barnstaple crematorium in North Devon, an area that has been significantly affected by the recent installation of ANPR and CCTV cameras. These installations, while intended to enhance security, have unfortunately cut all access to our estate by half, creating unnecessary detours and affecting our daily lives. This change was pushed through the council by councillors who reside on the road, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and personal gain rather than public benefit.

Access to our own homes is now a troubling and cumbersome experience. Emergency services might also face delays navigating the altered routes, which is a risk to public safety. Local residents have expressed frustration as there seems to have been no transparent consultation process, disregarding the voices of those most affected, like myself and my neighbours.

Moreover, the placement of these cameras invades our privacy. While surveillance is often justified for security reasons, the balance between community safety and individual privacy must be carefully managed. The arbitrary and seemingly self-serving nature of these installations prompt a compelling need for a thorough review.

It is crucial that we ensure decisions affecting our community are made transparently, fairly, and with the best interests of all residents in mind. The council should initiate a comprehensive review of these ANPR and CCTV cameras to re-evaluate their necessity and function. Consultants must transparently engage with the affected communities and consider alternative solutions that could maintain security without compromising access or privacy.

We urge the Barnstaple council to conduct this review with a sense of urgency and involve independent oversight to avoid any biases. We deserve a community where safety and convenience coexist harmoniously and our voices are valued in decision-making processes.

Please sign this petition if you support the call for a fair review of the camera installations, demanding transparency, accountability, and a more balanced approach to public security and residents’ convenience.