Milford Mercury | Local News, Sport & Entertainment

Secure future for Mount post office

From the Milford Mercury, first published Friday 20th Jun 2003.

THE MOUNT Estate Post Office was the venue this week for the announcement of £38,537 of Government funding to improve security in small shops in Pembrokeshire.

The Home Office Security for Small Retailers scheme gives money to small businesses to improve their security by installing burglar alarms, CCTV and new locks.

The Mount post office received funding at the start of this year and have already seen the benefits of improved security.

Proprietor Stephen Bennett said: "We've had CCTV cameras and monitors installed, roller shutters outside, a new secure back door and a raised platform in the shop to improve visibility.

"The work was done at the beginning of the year and we have seen a big difference. We've never had a great deal of problems but the cameras certainly act as a deterrent and stop people thinking about coming here to steal. The shutters are great because it means I can lock up the shop with piece of mind and don't have to think about it again until the morning."

The scheme, which has been running for three years, has seen businesses in the county receive £124,500 in funding, money the government says is vital to rejuvenating deprived communities.

David A'Herne, crime reduction director for Wales said: "The money helps shops which are vulnerable to crime. By improving security, people are deterred from committing crime and it is a reassurance to the shop owners.

"Businesses like this are more than just shops, they are a community facility vital to the well-being of the estate. We are trying to protect shops and rebuild vulnerable, deprived communities which otherwise would have died. Improving their security keeps the community alive."

Local community safety officer Max Bevan said: "Improving security and lighting will maintain the viability of the premises and helps keep shops going. Increasing the usage of facilities increases confidence which kills the fear of crime."

This year four businesses in Pembrokeshire will receive funding: two retailers on High Street, Pembroke Dock, the post office in Monkton and a shop on Neyland's High Street.

Max Bevan, Stephen Bennett and David A'Herne captured on the Mount Estate post office's new CCTV system.

Archive Home