A CALL has been made for crime-busting security cameras to be moved after it was claimed they could be used to spy on residents.

Burnley Council has secured funding of £85,050 to extend its award- winning, town centre CCTV system into South West Burnley.

But residents of Melrose Avenue petitioned the council and addressed the planning and environment committee to call for the cameras to be repositioned.

They said 90 per cent of crime was at the rear of their houses, but the cameras would be covering the fronts.

One said: "We don't feel they are appropriate because they are not in the right place. They will not serve any purpose if put where they are proposed.

"A lot of people feel their civil liberties are being taken away and that these cameras can be used to look into their properties. "If we find anyone doing that then proceedings will be taken against them."

She said the field behind the homes was plagued by drug users and used by thieves to hide stolen property.

She added: "Vandalism has decreased. The cameras should be placed where they will help not upset people."

Engineering services manager Ian Parker said it was vital for people to have confidence in the scheme for it to succeed.

He said the cameras would overlook each other to protect them from vandals and they had to be in well-lit areas to be effective.

The committee recommended more consultation with residents before the positioning was agreed.

Burnley is currently reviewing its code of practice for the security cameras and considering how to extend the control room to cater for the expanding network.

Coun Kath Reade said: "The work we are doing is pioneering and a lot of people will be watching how it goes.

"We must be sensitive to how people react."

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