A MASSIVE closed circuit TV camera network could be set up to protect people and property in schools, businesses and council run buildings.

Bury Council's competitive services department has put forward plans which would make it feasible for even the smallest of schools or businesses to be connected to a centralised system.

It would help to protect pupils and teachers, cut down on crime and vandalism and obtain vital evidence for police.

Last year the council's entire telephone system was upgraded to BT's Featurenet. It means that for links between Local Authority premises, there would be no additional costs because calls between council premises are free.

Competitive Services staff estimate that schools could have a round the clock CCTV capability for as little as £400 a year. Contract services sub-committee chairman, Cllr Wayne Campbell said: "The attacks on children and teachers in schools around the country has created widespread concerns and we would be failing as a Council if we were not to investigate and look into all possibilities of protecting not only our premises, but also the people that use them.

"CCTV has proved its effectiveness in countless situations and we believe that it is something that should be looked at and developed further within our own borough."

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