Somebody is watching you…. the 360 degree camera in Wilmington Square

A NEW security contraption in Clerkenwell has drawn criticism for its “Orwellian” aesthetic – but locals are pleased with how it is deterring anti-social behaviour.

In the spring, neighbours around Wilmington Square, off Rosebery Avenue, reached out to the police and the council for help after noticing an escalation of drug dealing and using in the small park.

In response, authorities have installed a thin green and yellow surveillance tower, surrounded by metal fencing and seemingly powered by a freestanding solar panel, with 360 degree CCTV cameras and loudspeakers on top.

Despite claims it is ugly, resident Luka Foxton said: “Myself and my neighbours are extremely happy with the measures the council has enacted. We have not had any negative incidents since the camera has been installed. The park is also being locked at night time too which is really positive. We have been persistent and are really happy to have been heard by the council.”

Resident Ilona Ward, who has lived near the square for 11 years, also praised the effectiveness of the new installation, although noted that it wasn’t the most visually pleasing. “It’s ugly, it’s like big brother is watching everyone, so it’s far from ideal but we are hoping that it’s going to help the situation because it has just been unbearable,” she said.

Ellie, a resident of Charles Rowan House which overlooks the park, said: “It’s just weird. It’s hideous in a beautiful square. It looks like some kind of Orwellian contraption. But the anti-social behaviour was worse so it’s better than nothing.”

Residents interviewed by the Tribune earlier this year had been hoping to rebuff drug dealers by making the space more “positive”, with features like rope swings, a badminton court, a “healing herbal area” or a pop-up cafe in place of the empty bandstand at the centre of the park.

Islington Council’s crime chief Councillor John Woolf said: “The new security measures in Wilmington Square, including the installation of cameras and speakers, have been introduced to deter illegal activities and help ensure that the square remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

“The cameras have been deployed on a temporary basis and will be removed after a thorough review of anti-social behaviour reduction in the area. The measures are proving to be effective in tackling anti-social behaviour locally.”