West could use camera cash

A HOBSONS Bay councillor is calling on the state government to redirect $150,000 allocated to Glen Eira for CCTV cameras, which the eastern suburbs council rejected.

Glen Eira councillors last week voted to refuse the offer to pay for CCTV cameras in Bentleigh’s Centre Road shopping centre.

Cherry Lake councillor Tony Briffa, whose ward includes Altona’s foreshore and crime-plagued Harrington Square, called on western suburbs Liberal MP Andrew Elsbury to lobby for Hobsons Bay to receive cash for cameras.

“Given the city of Glen Eira does not want the $150,000 allocated to it by the state government for CCTV cameras, I would like the government to consider allocating it to Hobsons Bay where we … can utilise the funds for CCTV cameras in known problem areas,” Cr Briffa said.

Mr Elsbury said the money could not simply be redirected, but he would support a funding application from Hobsons Bay.