A CCTV camera has been installed at a town park in a bid to cut down on increasing crime rates.

Just last week a 16-year-old boy was knifed in the back in the latest in a long list of incidents at the Rec in Faversham this year.

In light of the rising crime figures, Swale Borough Council has now set up a three-month CCTV trial to deter and capture nuisance behaviour on camera.

The technology, which will be switched on at all times, has been installed between the long bridge and the pavilion.

A council spokesman said: “We are working with police to install a temporary mobile CCTV camera at the Rec to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We’ll review if the temporary camera is effective after three months and look at installing a more long-term permanent solution if we find it helpful in deterring any criminal and anti-social behaviour.

“We want local people to feel safe using the Rec.

“We’ve just spent £1.9 million heritage lottery funding to upgrade the park and we want people to be able to enjoy it.”

Since last week’s daylight stabbing, which resulted in a 15-year-old boy being arrested, more than 3,300 concerned residents have signed a petition calling for improved security at the park.

Their calls are backed by the town’s MP, Helen Whately.

Swale councillor Eddie Thomas (Lib Dem) said: “With anyone knowing the camera is there, hopefully it’ll help deter people from committing a crime.

“But if something does happen in the future, it’ll certainly help track the culprits and narrow down those who were near or in the Rec at the time.

“It’s being collated at the Swale CCTV room in Sittingbourne where cameras have been improved recently - so these will be good quality pictures.

“I can’t say it’ll stop bad behaviour but I hope it will.”

Cllr Thomas also says that, as part of the recently completed regeneration of the park, lighting has been significantly improved.

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