Approximately three weeks ago, the cctv warning signs photographed below appeared all over Stokes Croft. Already, some of them have been torn down.

It is unclear whose initiative this was, but certainly local people were not consulted. Whilst most of the local community agrees that we need more, and sensitive policing, most disagree that this type of signage has any positive effect, rather reinforcing the incorrect notion that Stokes Croft is a particularly dangerous area. Jon Rogers, our local councillor, said in an e-mail to Graham Fox of Avon and Somerset Police:

I have had a number of requests to remove the recently installed CCTV signs in Stokes Croft.  They add to the feel of oppression, rather than increase feelings of safety.  They appeared without discussion with ward councillors and I agree that they do not fit in with the sort of character we are trying to develop in Stokes Croft. They have a BCC logo, but I understand from a conversation with a council officer that the signs were installed by the Police as part of a Safer Bristol initiative?

IF YOU BELIEVE THAT THESE SIGNS ARE UNHELPFUL, AND ARE VISUAL, PLEASE E-MAIL Jon Rogers and Mark Wright, OUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS, TO TELL THEM THEY SHOULD GO!

Anna Minton, who has recently written a book on Fear and Happiness in the Urban Environment, visited Bristol and Stokes Croft last week to speak about her work at the Arnolfini and is convinced of the negative effects of CCTV on society.These are the remaining signs in Stokes Croft. Please help us to remove them buy e-mailing our local councillors, even if your first inclination is to shin up a ladder and tear them down…