Police back plea to keep cameras on

A lack of support from traders and on-going problems with securing funding for the surveillance schemes has forced councillors to consider switching off the cameras.

Members of both town councils met with Inspector Simon Miskell to discuss the future of the security cameras after traders refused to contribute £10 a month in Horwich and £100 a year in Westhoughton towards their running costs.

Police expressed concerns about what the effect of their removal might be and said they would write to traders in both towns to highlight the possible consequences if the cameras are switched off.

Inspector Miskell said: "There are a lot of misconceptions about the cameras and we want to clarify that the system is live, it is monitored and it is used.

"We are fully behind it. We know it works because we are dealing with it on a daily basis.

"I think the traders should give some consideration to what could happen if it is turned off. I understand that security is expensive for businesses, but the money the council is asking for is a nominal amount and we would be disappointed if they did not help save such a valuable scheme."

Leader of Horwich Town Council, John Connolley, said: "This is the first time we have had backing like this from the police and we hope it will make a difference.

"People need to understand that CCTV is not a substitute for police on the streets, it is a tool to help them."

Westhoughton Cllr David Wilkinson said: "What people need to remember is that the contributions we are asking for are tax deductable and will cost the businesses very little.

Traders are invited to attend a meeting with councillors and police before the final decision is made next month.

Meetings are at 7pm on Tuesday, October 12, in Westhoughton's public hall and at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 14, at Lee Lane Public Hall for Horwich. Horwich Town Council will make its final decision on October 21, and Westhoughton on October 25.