EIGHT security cameras could soon be put up on Moredon Children’s Centre.

The Sure Start-run centre, in Montrose Close, which supports families with children aged up to five, has applied to install the CCTV system as part of a plan to enhance security.

Due to the building’s unusual shape, which was designed to be sympathetic to its residential neighbours, hiding within the site is easy, resulting in a security issue, Moredon Children’s Centre is part of a federation, which includes Moredon Primary and Nursery School, and Rodbourne Cheney Primary School.

Executive headteacher Lauren Connor said that the application was part of a project to improve security across the federation and there was not a security problem at the centre.

“The cameras are being erected as part of an ongoing plan for security,” she said.

“This included over the past couple of years an alarm system, links to Swindon Council call outs, changes to the fence and, now that we have the money, cameras.

“All the schools in the federation have this level of security and the children’s centre will finally catch up.”

The single-storey children’s centre, built in 2008, has an angular shape with lots of crevices and is surrounded by a high wall topped with metal railings.

Under the plans, which also include putting up a 20cm microwave antennae for IT purposes, eight dome-mounted vandal-resistant cameras would be installed on the building.

Coun David Wren (Con, Moredon) said: “It’s great that the Moredon ward has got a children’s centre and it’s a reasonable site. It’s quite a modern facility and it blends in very well with the surrounding residential area.

“Anything that gives added security has to be a bonus as long as the cameras aren’t obtrusive and as long as they are inward looking into the boundary.”

Swindon Council will make the final decision.