A 24-hour emergency help point linked directly to CCTV operators has been installed in Angel Row, Nottingham city centre.
The four-metre-tall column allows anyone who is distressed or needs emergency assistance to contact staff in Nottingham City Council’s CCTV control room by pressing a button.
Operators can record evidence and alert Nottinghamshire Police or other agencies where necessary. A rotating CCTV camera on top of the column also provides additional coverage of the area.
Angel Row was identified as a location where women and girls wanted greater security following Nottinghamshire Police’s Walk in My Shoes campaign.
The campaign was launched in March 2025 to identify places where women and girls felt unsafe. More than 3,600 people responded to its survey, which identified five locations across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Funding for the Angel Row help point was approved by the Office of the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner.
The column includes an intercom, reflective paint and signage. It is accessible to wheelchair users and has a hearing loop for people with hearing difficulties.
A blue light at the top begins flashing when the help button is pressed and remains active until the incident has been dealt with.
Superintendent Heather Maelor, of Nottinghamshire Police, said women and girls who responded to the survey had called for better coverage and additional security in Angel Row.
She said: “While Angel Row is part of our police patrol plans, having a dedicated help point means we can capture people’s safety concerns immediately.
“This will not replace policing in the area but will be an additional tool to help us detect any incidents before they escalate.”
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angel Kandola said Angel Row was the city-centre location where respondents most wanted additional security.
She added: “The help point can be used by anyone to get immediate support when they need it.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “We have listened to the voices of local women and girls about where they feel the least safe and, with the installation of this help point, we have taken direct action to help improve feelings of safety.”
