Partner organisations involved in Skipton’s Community Safety Working Group have reported positive outcomes following a temporary CCTV trial at Skipton Bus Station.
In November 2025, the working group announced it had secured funding for a high-definition CCTV camera to be installed at the bus station for a six-week trial period.
The system was put in place on 26th November, following concerns raised by local residents about crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
The Community Safety Working Group includes representatives from Skipton Town Council, Skipton Business Improvement District (BID), North Yorkshire Police, the North Yorkshire Community Safety Hub, and other local organisations.
Following the conclusion of the trial, the group says feedback suggests people using the area felt safer while the camera was in place.
It was also reported that some bus companies which had previously avoided using the station resumed services there, and that anti-social behaviour at the site was reduced or displaced during the trial period.
Councillor Brian McDaid, Chair of the Community Safety Working Group, said the trial demonstrated the impact CCTV could have at the bus station.
“Residents, bus users and local businesses have told us they feel safer and we’ve seen anti-social behaviour reduce as a direct result,” he said.
“While the temporary installation has been successful, my focus now is on securing a permanent solution."Safety in the area – and the rest of the town – should not depend on short-term trials or one-off funding.
“I am committed to working with our partners to ensure this issue is addressed fully and permanently, so people can use the bus station with confidence every day.”
Councillor Andy Solloway, who represents the Skipton West and West Craven ward, said the trial should inform future decisions on CCTV provision.
“North Yorkshire Council are currently doing a review of CCTV provision and I would hope that this successful trial will convince them to quickly provide permanent CCTV cameras at Skipton Bus Station, for the protection of all users,” he said.
“The technology to have good quality footage is in place, all it needs is the Council to commit to putting cameras in their bus station, car park and taxi rank.”
Skipton BID Manager Sarah Howsen also welcomed the results of the trial.
“As outlined in our ‘Safe & Welcoming’ objective at the BID, we are committed to ensuring our town centre remains a friendly and attractive destination for visitors, so initiatives such as this are important to us,” she said.
The temporary CCTV camera has now been removed following the end of the six-week trial.
The Community Safety Working Group says its next step is to explore options for securing longer-term CCTV provision at the bus station, subject to funding availability.
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