Bid for permanent metal detector to be installed
BURTON could be one of the first towns in the country to have a permanent walk-through metal detector outside town centre venues to prevent weapons being taken in.
The state-of-the-art security device will hopefully be installed in Burton as part of the Mail’s Safer Burton campaign.
It would mean the people of Burton would be able to enjoy the town’s nightlife for years to come knowing that the area had one of the tightest security systems in place.
Labour councillors Ron Clarke and Peter Davies, leading figures behind the campaign, successfully applied for funding from the Members Initiative Fund at Staffordshire County Council securing £2,030 towards the device. However, an extra £1,000 is still needed before the order can be finalised.
Councillor Clarke told the Mail: “We think the campaign is a great idea and it’s something everyone should be backing, because although Burton is a safe town, it could be safer.
“We wanted to help with funding for the metal detector because we feel so strongly about the Mail’s campaign and improving safety in our town. If Safer Burton is successful we can look to invest in further security devices in the future and we welcome others who would like to support us with this.”
Another Safer Burton supporter, Paul Brindley, who is chairman of the Burton and Tamworth Licensing Forum, said having a permanent walk-through metal detector would act as a visual deterrent to weapon carriers.
Mr Brindley, who owns Bullit nightclub in High Street, Burton, added: “I believe that Burton will be one of the first towns in the country to have a permanent metal detector and we can set an example for the rest of the nation.
“It would not only act as a deterrent, but show how serious we are about the Safer Burton campaign and about having a town centre knife-free zone.
“By having this device it will reassure revellers that the town is a safe place to enjoy a night out and that security is taken very seriously.
“Our long-term goal would be to have an archway detector outside all Burton venues but we just need funding and support to do it.
“We need support from local businesses and organisations to raise the final funds towards the initial device. It would be beneficial to everyone in Burton if we could get it up and running as soon as possible.”
If anyone can help with funding for the first permanent metal detector in Burton they are asked to contact reporter Katie Bowler on 01283 524861 or email Safer-Burton@BurtonMail.co.uk.
