I can think of very few things that are as un-Byron as CCTV. The constant surveillance and invasion of privacy would herald our debasement as a bastion of freedom and fearless self-expression. What’s more, I see no reason that public funds be used so that the drink/drug barons can maintain their profits.
Yes, there is a problem with drunken rage and assaults in Byron, but to expect CCTV to make a difference is silly. CCTV only treats the symptoms of the problem. It doesn’t stop people getting drunk. If we seriously want to stop drunken assaults, we need to curtail the supplies of alcohol, which the police and our own mayor have pointed out. Byron has way too many liquor outlets and they are open all day and most of the night.
The cries of pain from the drink/drug barons are a sign that this strategy will work. So sad about its effect on their profits.
Say ‘No’ to CCTV and ‘Yes’ to limiting the supply of alcohol and return Byron’s private streets to calm and safety.
Andrew Hall
New Brighton
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
