So Somerset

Mendip District Council are calling for volunteers to monitor CCTV cameras throughout the district.

The job involves monitoring cameras across Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Street and Wells.

Simon Bennett, 48 from Glastonbury, has been a volunteer for over three years. He gives up around three hours a week, normally late on a Friday night. The position is unpaid.

"It's doing work for the community and is potentially making it a safer place," he said.

Over 1,000 request were made in 2007

"I can't pinpoint exactly why [he enjoys the job]. You see so many different things; people all dressed in different ways, different ages right from people pushing wheelchairs through to old people. It can be hysterical.

"I like watching people- there's nothing better than watching the world go by. At Glastonbury Festival, friends are fascinated that I don't really go for a band, I go to see the people who go there and watch the world go by.

"Maybe it's because I don't have a TV at home. People watching is like a 3D television set."

Strict control

There are tight rules on what the volunteers can look at. They are not allowed to follow an individual around unless they suspect potential illegal behaviour.

"We're looking for the unusual. You have to make a call. If you're going about your daily business we're not interested. It's about protecting potential victims," he said.

People who are likely to be closely looked at include those who hover around a cash point looking suspicious, potential drug dealers, someone who looks like they're about to drink-drive or someone who buys alcohol for people under age. In those cases, the volunteer would zoom in on the individual just in case the police file a report.

"There are two sides- I understand peoples' concerns. But the cameras are only in public places. If you're going about lawful business we have no interest at all and if you think about where we've caught drink-drivers, we could've potentially saved someone's life.

"It's not an ideal answer but it's an aide for police and for communities. It's not perfect but the pros far outweigh the cons."

Wells sector inspector Ray Hulin said: "CCTV is important in the fight against crime and disorder. We work in partnership with other organisations and the community to make our streets safer, and we see CCTV as another valuable tool to continue that work."

CCTV supports the emergency services

The council’s CCTV manager Chris Reeves said: "We are always pleased to hear from members of the public that wish to support us as volunteers.

"Our volunteers make an invaluable contribution to making Mendip a safer place, based on local knowledge and regular involvement. We can't thank them enough."

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Chris at Mendip District Council on 01749 648999.