A POLICE chief has supported moves to install CCTV security cameras in Pendle.

Superintendent Mike Griffin, head of police in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, said he welcomed moves by Labour councillors in Pendle to get cameras sited in Nelson and Colne town centres.

"The system in Burnley continues to be successful in reducing crime and soon we will have cameras in Bacup and Brierfield," said Supt Griffin.

"CCTV works best when it is part of a co-ordinated approach to crime problems. In both Nelson and Colne we already have community radio networks, dedicated community beat officers and we are working in partnership with town centre businesses. These and other measures virtually guarantee that CCTV will be successful in both Colne and Nelson centres. CCTV systems are of immense benefit to policing and there is no doubt they make the public feel more secure."

Tests have been carried out in Colne and Nelson at a number of sites, using a mobile CCTV system to find the best points to site cameras.

Pendle Community Safety Partnership, which brings together the police, Pendle Council, traders and other organisations, launched a major consultation project last week to find out what people think should be done to fight crime and improve their quality of life.

Partnership members promised they would look at ways of introducing CCTV if there was significant public demand for it, but warned the high cost of any system would make it difficult to implement.

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