Work has started to remove surveillance cameras which were part of a highly controversial counter terrorism initiative from two predominantly Muslim Birmingham suburbs.
A team of contractors began taking down some of the 218 CCTV and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) in the Sparkhill, Ward End and Washwood Heath areas on Monday.
The cameras, which were set up as part of the £3 million Project Champion, were dramatically shelved following a massive public outcry over the lack of formal consultation.
They would have logged the vehicle details of everybody entering or leaving these areas, leading to accusations that they were being used to spy on Muslims.
It had been revealed that it could cost up to £630,000 to remove all the cameras this month. The grey towers which held the cameras will be taken down at a later date.
Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe watched the first covert monitor being removed on Hodge Hill Road, near to Stechford Road.
Assistant Chief Cons Rowe said: “The work starting today shows that we have listened to what our communities wanted and acted upon those wishes.
“We have liaised closely with our communities to keep them informed of developments and when they can expect cameras to be removed from actual streets.
