Reassurances offered as council takes over operation of public realm CCTV after closure of Lisburn’s Citywatch
Concerns have been raised after it was revealed that Citywatch, the organisation which monitors public CCTV cameras in Lisburn, has been wound up and the operation of the city’s CCTV system is now being run by the council.
Posting on social media, Citywatch stated: “Wednesday 29th July 2026 was a sad day for Citywatch CCTV NI. It was the day when the Volunteer Directors of Citywatch signed papers to hand the company over to a Liquidator for the company to be placed into Voluntary Liquidation.
"For more than 25 years, Citywatch CCTV NI [previously LCAC] has operated in the Lisburn, Moira and Hillsborough areas.
"The company was set up as a Charity by Lisburn City Council in July 2001. The aim of the company was to detect, prevent and reduce crime and the fear of crime in dedicated areas across NI.
“Since its inception, Citywatch has worked in partnership with LCCC, PSNI, PSCP, SEHSCT, Clanmil Housing Association, Lisburn Chamber of Commerce and many more organisations and institutions.
“In carrying out its work, the company has contributed positively towards the reduction in crime, as well as assisting with public safety and anti-social behaviour matters within the areas it operated in.”
The statement continued to explain that Citywatch ceased operating on June 30 after funding was directed away and the company could no longer operate.
“Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council have taken the decision to provide CCTV services via an alternative operator and Citywatch has been working with Council over the past number of months to facilitate this change and the transfer of assets to Council,” the statement continued.
"They are no longer based within the Police Station and are instead based at Council Headquarters in Lisburn.
“Citywatch would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that it has dealt with over the 25 years for their support, particularly those who have given their time serving on the Board of Directors, the main funders which includes LCCC and a number of other agencies, the PSNI for accommodating Citywatch within their station and offering support when needed, and local businesses who have faithfully supported and worked with us when it mattered most.
"Lastly, and most importantly, we wish to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Citywatch team of staff for their dedication and diligence in carrying out their duties to serve their local community.”
In response to concerns raised about the change, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said staff had worked with CItywatch to ensure there was no disruption to CCTV services in the city.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Public realm CCTV in Lisburn & Castlereagh is funded by the Council.
"Citywatch was commissioned by the Council to monitor activity from some cameras at Lisburn Police Station while other cameras were captured and monitored through a contract with another provider at our Headquarters at Lagan Valley Island.
"We appreciate the service Citywatch has provided for the Council area over the years and would thank them, especially its volunteer board members, for their support.
"When Citywatch informed Council in March of its intention to wind up, the Council provided a continued funding package for three months, with an agreed mutual objective of maintaining CCTV monitoring and to assist the transition to new operating arrangements.
"Working closely with Citywatch and the PSNI, we have ensured live CCTV continued without interruption during the transition period. As we continue the move to a new long-term model, CCTV will remain live and fully operational.
"The Council will now be responsible for all of its Public Realm CCTV in the City centre and across our estate.
"We are committed to creating a coordinated, efficient and sustainable service that supports public safety and the needs of local businesses."
Politicians have said they will be monitoring the situation following the handover, stressing the importance of the public realm CCTV system.
Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler commented: “This is a very strange decision. First and foremost I would like to thank all involved at Citywatchni for their service and the value they have demonstrated.
"However I will be keeping a watching brief on the quality of delivery by the new regime that LCCC have decided to pursue.
"Confidence is key and with Town Centre shrinking footfall, anti social behaviour rising and theft still major issues for shops and retailer we need assurance, certainty and results.”
Councillor Gary Hynds said he has “kept a close eye on developments and has been asking questions throughout the process.”
Mr Hynds continued: “I do believe the handover has taken far longer than many expected, and there has not always been the level of clarity or explanation that councillors and the public would reasonably expect about why these changes were necessary.
"The public deserve a clear explanation for why this change was needed and why the process has taken so long. Community safety cannot be allowed to become a casualty of bureaucracy.
"Citywatch made an important contribution to community safety over many years, and I want to pay tribute to the staff, volunteers and directors for their dedication and service.
"For me, preventing crime is just as important as responding to it. Effective CCTV doesn't just help solve crime after the event; it acts as a deterrent, helps prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, provides reassurance to residents and businesses, and supports the PSNI in protecting our communities.
"It is vital that the good work carried out by Citywatch continues under the new arrangements.
"There must be no reduction in the effectiveness of this important service.
"The police need every tool available to them to prevent and detect crime, backed by a justice system that gives officers and the public confidence that offenders will be held properly to account.
"I'll continue to monitor the new arrangements, press for answers where they are needed, and work to ensure residents continue to receive the high standard of service they rightly expect.”