Two Medway beauty spots are being made even safer by security cameras.

Infra-red CCTV cameras are being installed at Capstone Farm Country Park in Chatham and Riverside Country Park in Gillingham during February to monitor the security of the parks, as well as checking for intruders and fires in the buildings.

The existing metal gates at the entrance of Capstone park will be replaced with new steel gates, which will also be moved closed to the main entrance to stop intruders.

Steel gates and cameras are also being installed at Riverside Country Park in Rainham to prevent people from forcing their way into the park when it's closed.

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Staff at Medway Council's operations centre in Strood will monitor the security system and alert the police if they see anything untoward.

Around £64,600 has been spent on the project, which was funded through Members Priorities from the council's capital programme.

Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Enforcement Cllr Rehman Chishti said: “These security measures will make a huge improvement for the safety of users of the parks.

"CCTV has a proven track record here in Medway in both deterring crime as well as making people feel safe. It is on that basis that I am delighted with the proposal to extend it further to cover our vital green spaces. This further shows our commitment in making green spaces safe and enjoyable for families and individuals."

The works should be completed by the end of February.

(CD)