New CCTV system at Craigavon Bridge

Jointly funded by the PSNI and Derry City Council, at cost of just in excess of 10,000 from both contributors, the move follows a pledge by council to erect the cameras late in 2010. Whilst the cameras are designed to prevent vandalism and improve traffic safety, the move also comes in the aftermath of a spate of hoax bomb alerts by dissident republicans last year.

The last major bomb alert occurred in September 2010, when an elaborate device complete with a visible electronic device was attached to a pipe on the under deck of the bridge. The device appeared to be placed in a large 'lunch box' type casing and had a visible electronic 'timer' taped to it.

The alert caused severe disruption in Londonderry-effectively annexing the city in two.

Four omni-directional cameras, as well as two more familiar looking cameras, have been placed on the lower deck of the bridge. One has been placed at the Waterside end of the bridge, another at the Foyle Road end, whilst the third has been placed on the pedestrian walkway on the lower deck, whilst the fourth, again at the Cityside end of the structure, also has two other one directional CCTV cameras attached to it.

Londonderry's City Centre Initiative (CCI) are responsible for the management of the project. CCI manager Jim Roddy, told the Sentinel: "I welcome the joint funding provided by both Derry City Council and the PSNI for this project. "

A spokeswoman for Derry City Council told the Sentinel: "The cameras have been installed to improve the appearance and safety of this area of the city and assist local traders operating in these areas of the city."

DUP Alderman Joe Miller, chair of the city's District Policing Partnership (DPP) said: "I welcome the move for a variety of reasons-that it will help improve safety in general for people in the city.

"Obviously we are aware that there has been some dissident activity in this area in the past which has greatly inconvenienced people moving around. Although, I welcome the installation of the cameras for more than just that reason-for traffic safety and to prevent violence in that district. It will help people move about more safely. From the point of view of dissident activity it may be something of a necessary evil, but for all the reasons I have stated as a member of the DPP I welcome the move."

The PSNI in Londonderry told the Sentinel: "CCTV provides an extra resource to local police who are committed to ensuring that the city remains a safe place to live, work and socialise. It is a welcome addition to the resources available to police however it does not resolve problems on its own."