Extra CCTV cameras are being installed in a town centre in a bid to help fight crime.

Four new cameras will be installed in the area of Padiham known locally as “the hill”, covering parts of Church Street and the main shopping street.

The town’s four existing CCTV cameras will also be upgraded, from analogue to digital, as part of a long-term planned-for maintenance programme.

The investment, from Burnley Borough Council and the police and crime commissioner’s office, is part of wider work by the council, police and other agencies to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Padiham.

Councillor Lian Pate, executive member for community services, said: “The cameras will be fixed to buildings and they will feed into Padiham Town Hall where footage will be held. The new cameras won’t be monitored but they will operate 24 hours a day, every day, and their recordings will be available to the police to view at any time they need to, including out of office hours.”

“The positive work with the community and the council’s partner agencies has led to significant reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.”

The news about the extra CCTV coverage comes after months of work by the council, police, youth service, Calico, Burnley Leisure and other partners to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the town. That included a drop-in session attended by more than 120 people.