CRIME cameras could be on the way to South Ribble's trouble hot spots.

It is hoped two closed circuit TV cameras, funded by the South Ribble Crime and Disorder Partnership, the Government and the police basic crime unit, will work on a rota system in five areas across the borough.

A planning application to build five camera poles in Chapel Brow, Worden Park and Moss Side, Leyland; Station Road, Bamber Bridge and Hope Terrace, Lostock Hall has been submitted to the borough copuncil.

It is hoped the cameras will be up and running by autumn, if plans are approved.

The partnership will spend £15,000 setting up the equipment and each camera will be located at a site for at least two months. The Chapel Brow and Moss Side areas are likely to be targeted first.

Councillor Bill Evans, chairman of the Crime and Disorder Partnership, said: "These areas have problems with anti-social behaviour so these are the natural choices to start with.

"It should cut down on these types of incidents and hopefully act as a deterrent."

The partnership which includes South Ribble Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Constabulary, the fire service, housing associations and the NHS care trusts, have been fundraising for cameras for more than four years.

Councillor Evans said: "We were being refused because crime rates are low and we were told we didn't need CCTV.

"But the support has been amazing and we'll keep trying for funding so we can have more cameras."

Heather Melling, landlady of The Gables pub, Hough Lane, Leyland, who has had problems with youths rolling kegs of beer into the main road, said: "I'm thrilled. Some young people have caused a nuisance, particularly on Hough Lane, and some shops have had their windows smashed more than once.

"We get an older clientele and I know they feel unsafe so hopefully the CCTV will make them feel safe."