CCTV cameras to be installed in park after murder

1 day ago

Nadia LincolnLocal Democracy reporter

The council said the cameras would not intrude "into the back gardens and windows" of nearby properties

BBC Two CCTV surveillance cameras on a lamp post against a bright blue sky. There is a metal box in the middle. — The council said the cameras would not intrude "into the back gardens and windows" of nearby properties

CCTV cameras will be installed in a park where a man was murdered last year, a council said.

Two men were jailed for life in December for murdering Ryan Burton, from Corby, Northamptonshire, who died after being assaulted in Spring Rise Park, near Highfield Road, Kettering in January 2025.

North Northamptonshire Council said it has approved plans to install two new cameras at both ends of the park to deter criminality and anti-social behaviour following a rise in incidents.

The purchase would be funded by the office of the county's police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) and would be monitored by staff in a secure location.

The Reform UK-led council added the cameras would provide a level of reassurance to park users.

Ryan Burton died at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire six days after the incident in Kettering

Northamptonshire Police A head-and-shoulders picture of Ryan Burton, who has short brown hair and stubble and is wearing a white round-necked T-shirt. — Ryan Burton died at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire six days after the incident in Kettering

A document by the authority's Planning Committee said the action was being taken because the town had "disproportionate higher levels of crime in comparison to other medium sized towns in England and Wales".

"Kettering's high levels of deprivation have resulted in the area being adopted as a 'priority one levelling up area'," it added.

James Towns, a Green Party councillor on the authority, told a Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday: "I think it's quite important there should be reassurance for the local residents and users of the park that this area is being covered and there are eyes watching this area."

Maurice Eglin, a Reform UK councillor, told the same meeting: "If it prevents any more crimes happening in the area, we've got to be fully behind it. Residents come first."

Danielle Stone, the county's Labour PFCC, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it was a "partnership project with North Northamptonshire Council to help make residents using Spring Rise Park feel safer".

"My office are funding the purchase and initial installation of two CCTV cameras that will overlook the park, while the subsequent upkeep will be managed by the council."

The plans were supported by Northamptonshire Police.

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