TRADERS and councillors say they are determined to secure closed circuit television for Darwen town centre in a third bid for cash.

Blackburn with Darwen Council have met with police, town centre management, traders and a CCTV specialist to modify previous proposals.

Last week the Citizen revealed how traders were being plagued by gangs of shoplifters who, it is believed, were targetting Darwen after CCTV was installed in Blackburn shopping centre.

Councillors are now confident they can attract a similar scheme for Darwen.

The most recent bid, for four cameras around by the bus station and market, failed.

The new proposals include an extended scheme which would link Darwen's cameras with the existing CCTV operation in Blackburn.

Community safety group chairman councillor Sue Reid said: "We have already submitted two bids for CCTV in Darwen which failed.

"We will continue with our commitment to install the cameras and to seek funding for the benefit of the traders and shoppers alike."

Town Centre manager Paul Isherwod said: "The new scheme is more comprehensive and has the full support of the police, traders and this council."

Darwen Town Centre Association chairman John Brown said: "This is brilliant news, especially if it incorporates the entire town centre.

"It will definitely reduce shoplifting, which has become a major problem."

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