PLANS to install CCTV cameras on the Recreation Ground are moving forward.

Fordingbridge Town Council’s amenities committee discussed the installation of a CCTV system during a meeting on Wednesday, March 17, which was held via Zoom.

The meeting heard that three quotes had been obtained for CCTV of £1,575, £2,500 and £3,795. All the quotes were also subject to VAT.

Talks over CCTV come after two break-ins at the recreation ground site at the end of January while work was being carried out to refurbish the changing room facilities at the pavilion.

Hampshire Constabulary said it received a report of tools being stolen from a container at the recreation ground between 5pm on January 25 and 8am the next day.

The second incident is believed to have happened between January 29 and 31.

More than £7,600 had to be forked out to beef up security on the site and security staff have been patrolling the area.

The funds to pay for this were made up of money from the town council as well as the contractors working on the site and the sports clubs.

Speaking after the break-ins earlier in the year, mayor Edward Hale said: “This is a project to improve facilities for the many groups who use this building and the town council has devoted lots of time to finding the best solution there.

“Instead of being able to concentrate on spending the limited funds on the best facilities, the council has had to allocate additional funds to pay for security.”

The meeting last week heard that Central Southern Security, who provided the cheapest of the three quotes for the CCTV, already provided an alarm system to the town council and also provided CCTV to other local councils.

Councillor Diane Paton proposed the council select Central Southern Security Ltd, which was supported by fellow councillors.

Anyone with any information about the burglary is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference 44210030800.

Get more Forest Journal news and nominate your local heroes for the South Wiltshire Hero Awards.

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.