A MYSTERY over why CCTV cameras had been strapped to an Audenshaw lamppost without seemingly anyone knowing about it has been solved – just as a councillor was set to remove them.
The presence of devices high up on street furniture on Ravenwood Drive got people talking.
Local councillors queried why they were there, even nearby Poplar Street Primary School is believed to have complained about them.
However, just as Cllr Oliver Ryan was set to scale a set of ladders and cut the objects, which look on to properties, down – their reason was revealed.
The devices, placed there by TRL Limited on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester, are there to monitor pedestrian traffic in the area and around a crossing.
The Correspondent understands people in the immediate vicinity were contacted about them being installed.
However, queries are being raised about just how many were, especially as many others and the school did not know about them.
A sign now on the lamppost says: “This video collection is now being undertaken by TRL Limited as part of a review of this crossing on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester.
“Data is collected for the purpose of understanding pedestrian and motorist behaviour.”
Cllr Ryan, with ladders and cutters packed away, said: “I’m very pleased to have got to the bottom of this local mystery, I live close by myself on Denton Road and had wondered what they were.
“For all the residents and school kids/parents I’m relieved to know they’re nothing dodgy.
“Thanks to all the residents who called me or messaged me through Facebook to report it too.
“It shows the strength of our Audenshaw neighbourhood though, when me and a couple of residents would’ve cut them down had we not found out what they were – we pull together here.”