Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID), which represents 340 town centre businesses, is appealing for support to help secure funding for permanent public CCTV cameras in Sutton Coldfield town centre.
Sutton Coldfield currently does not have a permanent public CCTV system in operation in the town centre. In July 2025, Birmingham City Council installed two temporary cameras following a period of two years without public coverage in the town centre. These were welcomed by the BID and local businesses as a positive interim step. However, a permanent, long-term solution is still required to provide certainty and reassurance for the town.
The BID believes public CCTV is an important part of town centre infrastructure as it plays a vital role in deterring crime and anti-social behaviour, supporting policing, reassuring residents and visitors, and protecting businesses and public spaces. Many businesses including Gracechurch shopping centre operate private CCTV systems but these do not replace publicly managed coverage of the town’s streets.
Over the past two years, the BID has worked constructively with partners to progress a permanent solution. In February 2025, Birmingham City Council, their appointed contractors and local stakeholders undertook a site visit to assess the three former public CCTV locations at Station Street, Lower Parade and Victoria Street.
In December 2025, Birmingham City Council provided a formal quotation of approximately £45,000 to replace the three obsolete analogue cameras with modern digital equipment. The proposal would reinstate coverage at the same key locations, with 24-hour, 365-day monitoring from Birmingham City Council’s Operations Centre and direct liaison with West Midlands Police. The City Council has confirmed there would be no ongoing monitoring or recording charges under its existing public space CCTV arrangements.
The plans are therefore developed, costed and supported by the BID and Police. The remaining challenge is securing the capital funding required to purchase and install the cameras.
As the local authority, Birmingham City Council would ordinarily be expected to fund core public safety infrastructure such as permanent town centre CCTV. The City Council originally funded the installation of the three cameras, and it is disappointing that funding is not currently available to support the replacement costs in Sutton Coldfield town centre.
Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID is a not-for-profit organisation funded entirely by its 340 levy-paying businesses. Business Improvement Districts exist to deliver additional services beyond those provided by local authorities and policing partners. Public highway CCTV infrastructure sits within the remit of local authorities and Councils, and while the BID cannot own or directly fund such public assets, it has taken a proactive role in progressing discussions, working with stakeholders and enabling the project to reach this stage.
The BID also continues to invest directly in safety initiatives. Since 2022 it has funded private security BID Rangers each festive period to provide visible patrols, working in partnership with venues, retailers and West Midlands Police. It also covers the Street Pastors’ public liability insurance and has historically contributed towards minor CCTV repair works.
West Midlands Police said: “A modern, fully operational public CCTV network would significantly strengthen our ability to prevent crime, disrupt anti-social behaviour and bring offenders to justice. The Sutton Trinity Neighbourhood Police Team fully supports the installation of upgraded public CCTV in Sutton Coldfield town centre.”
Sophie Harrison, NatWest Branch Manager, said: “As part of the local community, NatWest is proud to support initiatives that strengthen safety and resilience. Ensuring our town centre remains a safe and welcoming place is vital, and the introduction of improved CCTV would make a meaningful difference to the whole community, giving residents, businesses, and visitors the peace of mind that their wellbeing is a shared priority.”
Michelle Baker, BID Manager at Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID, said: “Public safety is non-negotiable, and permanent CCTV is essential in any well-managed town centre. We have a fully developed and costed proposal that is ready to be delivered, and Birmingham City Council has confirmed it will operate and monitor the CCTV at no additional cost. What is now required is capital investment to enable installation. While the BID cannot fund this infrastructure directly, we will continue to champion the case and work with partners and stakeholders to secure the necessary funding. Sutton Coldfield deserves a long-term CCTV solution that provides confidence to businesses, reassurance to residents and a welcoming environment for visitors and we will keep pushing until that is achieved.”
While reinstating the three former cameras is the immediate priority, the BID maintains that a longer-term ambition should consider wider town centre coverage in key areas such as Birmingham Road where there are no public CCTV cameras despite the high number of bars and restaurants. However, restoring permanent provision at the previous three locations represents a practical and deliverable first step. Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID will continue to work proactively with key stakeholders to secure the necessary funding and deliver a long-term, sustainable CCTV solution for the town. In the absence of funding from Birmingham City Council, the BID has formally raised the CCTV repair and replacement costs with Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, the town’s Pride in Place Board and MP Andrew Mitchell in order to help identify a way forward.