EMERGENCY crime up-dates and safety messages are being beamed on to TV screens in shops, surgeries and cafés.

The Cherwell Community TV pilot scheme has been set up by police, Cherwell District Council and the Cherwell Safer Communities Partnership (CSCP).

Eleven screens showing news, sport, community advice, local information and topical crime reduction advice went live this week.

The estimated £18,000-a year-running costs are being met by the Government.

Police hope emergency appeals, like those for missing children, will be beamed directly to the relevant areas.

There are five plasma screens in Banbury, three in Bicester, two in Kidlington and one in Yarnton, and if they are successful the scheme could be launched across Oxfordshire.

Cherwell commander Supt Howard Stone said: “In the event of an emergency, where there is a need to immediately address people within a specific area, we will be able to use Community TV to instantly send out a message.

“This is something that could prove essential in locating a missing child or gathering information on crimes.

“It will also enable us to reassure members of the public.”

It is the first scheme of its kind in Oxfordshire but similar operations exist in Essex, Berkshire and Kent.

Plasma screens will be switched on at Wyvale Garden Centre, in Bicester Avenue, Bicester; Bicester & Ploughley Sports Centre, in Queen’s Av-enue, Bicester; North Bicester Surgery, in Bure Park, Bicester; Exeter Surgery, in Oxford Road, Kidlington; Gosford Hill Medical Centre, in Oxford Road, Kidlington, and Yarnton Medical Practice, in The Garth, Yarnton. In Banbury screens are at Banbury Health Centre, in Bridge Street; Morrisons Café, in Swan Close Road; Banbury Citizens Advice Bureau, in Market Square; Horsefair Surgery, in South Bar, and West Bar Surgery, in Oxford Road.

Nigel Morris, Cherwell’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “This facility is not just available to the police and local councils – it has the potential to benefit all public sector organisations including the NHS and fire service.”

Wyevale Garden Centre manager Adrian Drake said: “It’s too early to tell what effect it is going to have, but I’m very supportive.

“We’ve had advice about staying safe after the clocks have gone back and there’s community information too.”

Caroline Jones, practice manager at Exeter Surgery, said: “These are a good idea because lots of people pass through the surgery.

“Hopefully we can put up our own updates on health as well.”

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk