Tan Parsons A WOMAN who was brutally mugged outside her shop in Temple Fortune has finally won her fight to have CCTV cameras installed in the street. Loretta Paterson, owner of the Temptation gift shop in Finchley Road, was left with a deep gash on her f

Tan Parsons

A WOMAN who was brutally mugged outside her shop in Temple Fortune has finally won her fight to have CCTV cameras installed in the street.

Loretta Paterson, owner of the Temptation gift shop in Finchley Road, was left with a deep gash on her forehead when she was carjacked by three thugs on Halloween last year.

When she gathered a petition with 1,000 signatures calling on Barnet Council to put cameras in the street, she was told it would take years.

But this week council bosses had a change of heart.

Ms Paterson said: "I'm absolutely delighted, just amazed. I've been waiting since the beginning of the year to hear from the council.

"The only way I was able to do this was with the support of all the people who came forward and signed the petition.

"I knew we needed CCTV. But at the end of the day it was only because I was attacked so severely that it pushed me to do something about it.

"I hope the area will be a lot safer now and it can only help. It's great news they have been able to find the money for this at times like this when I know it can't be easy."

A report was prepared recommending that the Temple Fortune CCTV scheme be brought forward from 2011/12 to the current financial year and it was agreed by the Barnet Council's cabinet on Monday.

Council chiefs acknowledged that Ms Paterson's ordeal last year was one of "several" high-profile crimes near the Temple Fortune shopping parade, where CCTV will now be set up.

Community safety boss Cllr Matthew Offord said: "We are a council that prides itself on listening to our residents and installing CCTV in Temple Fortune is something that we believe in and that people living in the area want.

"We already have well over 100 cameras in busy thoroughfares across the borough and the Temple Fortune scheme will be a welcome addition.

"I am sure that this project, in conjunction with the excellent police Safer Neighbourhoods Team in the area, will reassure residents and visitors.