A BOROUGH'S CCTV system is to undergo a £104,000 modernisation after safety concerns were raised by residents.

Cameras which monitor the streets of Rossendale Valley are set to be upgraded along with the installation of several new cameras.

Towns including Haslingden, Rawtenstall and Bacup are to receive new equipment to help police and council bosses keep the borough safe.

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Plans to upgrade the CCTV network were made after residents told councillors they feared for the quality of CCTV equipment in the borough was not good enough.

The village of Stacksteads is also to get new cameras as part of the deal.

All the cameras will use the internet to relay high quality images in real time, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

The modernisation was made possible by funding from Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw’s, safety fund and Rossendale Council.

Cllr Jackie Oakes, Rossendale Council’s portfolio holder of operations, said: “Making our towns safer is a major priority for this council.

“This is good news for the borough and good news for residents, businesses and visitors.

“We worked hard to lobby for these resources to be brought into the borough.”

Residents raised this issue directly with the Commissioner at a public meeting in Bacup in February.

Mr. Grunshaw said: “I know first hand that local residents and Rossendale Council have had concerns about the quality of CCTV equipment in the borough.

“While local authorities are responsible for town centre CCTV, supporting the council to the new cameras will enable the police to access high quality footage to support criminal investigations and prosecutions.

“CCTV cameras and services can help provide that re-assurance and can deter criminals and anti-social behaviour.”

In April the Commissioner and Lancashire police supported the introduction of the East Lancashire CCTV hub based at King George’s Hall,Blackburn.

Discussions will be held by Rossendale Council about joining the CCTV hub.