FOUR CCTV cameras costing £3,703 have been installed at a town centre council-owned car park to help tackle anti-social behaviour, including dangerous driving stunts.

Concerned residents have reported cars doing ‘doughnut spins’ and ‘power slides’ in Newerne Street car park in Lydney.

And now the Forest Council has switched on four new CCTV cameras to tackle the anti-social and dangerous behaviour there.

Neighbours have reported people meeting in cars at the car park, hanging around, driving recklessly and making anti-social noise.

Working with Gloucestershire Police, Lydney Town Council and residents to find the best way to tackle the problem, the Forest Council has invested nearly £4,000 in the new cameras which were installed and activated on Valentine’s, Day, February 14.

Cllr Paul Hiett, Forest Council Cabinet member for communities and parish and town councils and community safety, said: “I was concerned when local people got in touch to tell us about anti-social behaviour taking place at the Newerne Street car park in Lydney.

“Working with Lydney Town Council and the police we looked at what was happening and what could be done.

“That’s why we’ve invested in four brand new CCTV cameras, which are now recording right across the site, and hopefully deterring any future disruption.”

Cllr Alan Preest, planning and highways committee chair at the town council, added: “The anti-social behaviour in Newerne Street car-park has been impacting on local residents’ quality of life for far too long.

“I’m delighted that Forest of Dean District Council has at last taken steps to monitor what is predominantly ‘out of hours” activity on their property. 

“I would hope that this will enable the police to act appropriately and swiftly when the need arises.”

A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: “We have received reports from local residents of anti-social behaviour involving vehicles in the Newerne Street Car Park area of Lydney.  

“Police have carried out a number of operations and patrols in the area, issuing warning notices to identified offenders.”