See just how hot it is in the Forest of Dean right now by looking at the live webcam set up in Cinderford.
Hosted by the Belle Vue centre and organised by Cinderford Town Council, the camera is focused on the town’s Clock Tower Triangle. It is possible to get a bird’s eye view from the north or the south of the location by switching views on the camera operated from your own viewing device (such as a home computer monitor, iPad or mobile phone). The camera is switched on 24 hours a day and is free for the council to operate, with no monthly charges.
Cllr Chris Witham @DeanWyeNews said: “Whilst social media is a great tool for reaching a wide audience, it is also important that we interact with the public through our website, and it is great to see this increase in engagement.”
Expats finally get a ‘look-in’
In the first month of the camera being set up, more than 6000 visitors from at least 20 countries took a look at the council’s website – a sure sign that the camera was definitely putting the town into focus far and wide. In fact, so pleased were councillors that they organised to purchase a second camera. This is being used to live stream special events in the town, such as the Remembrance Day Parade, the turning on of the Christmas lights and CindyFest – all from a bird’s eye view and other interesting angles.
Cllr Mark Turner added: “This will allow people who can’t get to the Triangle to be part of important events in the town.”
Cinderford town council purchased the building, known as the Triangle, from the Forest of Dean District Council for £68,000, back in 2016. That was following a row over a £5,000 repair bill.
The camera is especially appreciated by ex-pats – many in Australia – keen to see just how the town in which they grew up is faring.
Security boost for retailers
The first camera has been up for more than five years now. As well as allowing non-residents a glimpse into what’s happening in the town, it also boosts security for those who live there, including shopkeepers. That’s because the camera system provides alerts to those monitoring the system. It also clearly shows what time incidents take place and can zoom in for detailed images – a record of which could be used for evidence in court prosecutions.
What’s Cinderford really like?
Cinderford itself is a town on the eastern edge of the Forest of Dean. In response to criticism of the town on a website, one journalist on the local website Gloucestershire Live succinctly wrote:
“Cinderford may not be chocolate box pretty but it is a down-to-earth working-class town with a thriving, close-knit, and fiercely independent local community that more genteel commuter towns can only dream of. It has a lovely independent cinema where you can see a film for less than a fiver, some old-fashioned pubs and views across the Forest to die for.”
