THE installation of CCTV cameras and better light could help prevent anti-social behaviour outside a leisure centre, claims Barrow's MP.

Simon Fell said he had been contacted by 'many people' sharing their issues with groups of youngsters congregating at Dalton Leisure Centre.

Permission had been sought from Barrow Council by a member of the public for the installation of domestic-grade CCTV cameras on site - but it was rejected because in contravened the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice and General Data Protection Regulation, said the council.

Now Mr Fell hopes a bid for cash from the Safer Streets Fund for CCTV and additional lighting could be the next step.

The Barrow MP said: “Many people have contacted me over recent months to share their anxiety around anti-social behaviour in Dalton.

“Working as a group with the Police and local leaders, we have secured support for a dedicated community Police Officer by the end of the year, and agreed that we could bid into the Safer Streets Fund for CCTV and additional lighting.

“This wouldn’t cost Barrow Borough Council a penny."

Ann Thomson, leader of the council, said the authority had been working to solve this issue.

“While the council has not received a formal request for funding for either lighting or CCTV for Dalton Leisure Centre car park, permission was sought for the installation of domestic-grade CCTV cameras on site," she said.

"The request was not in line with legal requirements of the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice or GDPR and, therefore, we were not able to grant this.

"In addition, the expert advice we received was that working with partners in the area - including Cumbria Police - was a more effective way forward to address the concerns of residents and the needs of young people in our area.

"We continue to be involved in the partnership work as it moves to find the best and most effective solutions to this issue."