In response to Richard Garvie’s letter (September 5) , he is totally incorrect in stating South Holland Independents want to get rid of CCTV.
As a district councillor I questioned the CCTV system’s effectiveness and monitoring in September 2023 and visited the monitoring hub along with Coun Gary Taylor (Conservative) when we both concluded the monitoring needed to be reviewed and improved by ensuring another person was employed, preferably with a good knowledge of Spalding and surrounding areas. It was reported that an advert had been placed and applicants would be reviewed.
I have continued to question the effectiveness at the cost to the taxpayer and rightly so in my opinion, as incidents of graffiti and ASB have not reduced and residents are saying they do not come into the town as it is not safe or well policed.
I also stated at Spalding Town Forum I felt the cost effectiveness needed to be reviewed and the system needed to be improved or if this could not be achieved then perhaps we need to find a better way.
This is my opinion, I am not whipped to toe any party line and I bring forward the concerns of residents, that is my drive and what I pledged to do so will do it to its fullest to achieve a safer town.
Recently at full council Coun Alan Beal (Conservative) questioned the CCTV, so is Mr Garvie casting his same assumptions onto the Conservatives or is it purely an attack on South Holland Independents?
His suggestion of a rebranded UKIP party is laughable and it feels like he is simply trying to steer people in the upcoming county council elections. I have never been involved with UKIP as is implied in his letter and never will!
I did see that Reform did well in the General Election maybe I should take Mr Garvie’s advice and give them a buzz.
For now though I will continue to work hard for the residents of Monkshouse and the wider South Holland area.
My advice would be, judge each candidate on their own merits and what they will do to improve your area and living conditions, don’t be guided by idiocies such as this.
Coun Ingrid Sheard
South Holland Independents
