CALLS for CCTV cameras to be installed in Shell Corner have been dismissed as unnecessary.

Halesowen North councillor Stuart Henley is pressing for cameras in a bid to cut crime.

But police say crime levels in the area are currently low and such surveillance is not needed.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: “The information the area’s inspector has does not support the need for CCTV.”

But Cllr Henley, who made the plea in the wake of a recent acid attack in Belgrave Road on a blind man who suffered minor injuries, said there had been property break-ins, a shooting, knife attacks, traffic racing during all hours and incidents of graffiti.

Cllr Henley added: “There are also lots of drug issues which have been going on for a while.”

He said recently a drug user, who was sleeping rough, left behind needles on disused land in Malt Mill Lane, which the council had cleared away.

The councillor wants to see cameras around Shell Corner island, Malt Mill Lane, Nimmings Road and Long Lane.

“Putting this in place will help all feel a bit safer and hopefully put criminals off,’” he said, adding:

“Even if cameras were put there temporarily it would either lead to criminals being caught or moving on.”

But the police spokeswoman said the shooting had involved a Wolverhampton man and was 18 months ago and she was not aware of any knife stacks.

She added drugs were no more prevalent than in other areas, but urged people to report incidents so they could be investigated.

Dudley Council has mobile cameras it uses, in conjunction with police advice, to hit hotspots of crime and anti-social behaviour around the borough.

Strategic director for place Alan Lunt said: “As and when any specific issues arise we can redeploy the mobile cameras, which are currently in use in other areas to Shell Corner, as part of a number of resources to tackle these problems.

“We will continue to discuss this matter with our police colleagues and will not hesitate to use the cameras at this location if the need is justified.”