Central Beds Council have revealed plans to make the notorious Dog Kennel Walk footpath a safer place – including the introduction of state-of-the-art CCTV cameras.
Newly-secured Government funding will be spent on installing five new Wi-fi cameras – the first of their kind in the area – along the path this summer.
Dog Kennel Walk has the been the scene of a number of assaults in recent times – notably a brutal attack on nine-months pregnant Terri Turner in July 2012.
The plans are part of the council’s Travel Choices project, aiming to ‘drive out’ crime and anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Brian Spurr thanked those that have made the project possible. He said: “Local people and organisations have been very supportive of the work and it seems to have given the project a real boost.”
“The fact that all land-owners next to the route have come on board with our plans has made all the difference.
“We’re also grateful to Ashton Middle School who have let us cut down some of the trees that shaded the section of the path there.
“We’re grateful to Dunstable and Houghton Regis Town Councils who will help in maintaining the route in the future.
“Opening out the route should have a positive impact on reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.”
In addition, Houghton Regis Town Council will install more litter bins and Dunstable’s Town Ranger is working hard to remove graffiti.
Central Beds Council will also be assessing the quality of street lighting in the area.