OKEHAMPTON looks set to get CCTV cameras in a bid to fight crime and make the town safer for residents.

Okehampton Town Council last week voted to submit a planning application to West Devon Borough Council for the installation of CCTV cameras.

The proposal for CCTV has been under consideration for five years. Okehampton Chamber of Trade has always been positive about installing CCTV in the town centre.

Chamber chairman Ian Bailey said: 'We are still of the opinion that it will be of benefit to local businesses and for the ongoing safety of the town.

'I am sure that having the cameras in the centre will be of great benefit to everyone living in Okehampton, for its residents and businesses.'

During 2004-2005 the chamber investigated a range of CCTV systems, following concerns about the level of anti-social behaviour, racist graffiti and criminal damage within the town over weekends.

Mr Bailey added: 'We have always insisted that it is a deterrent and therefore must be of a quality that would stand up in a court-room. It is vital it meets the right criteria.'

The current proposal, which builds on and extends the original one made by the chamber to the town council, is set to ensure it meets concerns regarding community safety within the town.

Mayor of Okehampton Kay Bickley said: 'The crime statistics confirm that compared to the national picture we have an overall low crime rate that we wish to retain.

'We would like Okehampton to continue to be a safe place to live, work and bring up our children and for it to be a safe town for those who visit us as tourists.'

But Cllr Bickley said crime in the town had risen: 'Crime statistics also show that the level of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour is higher in Okehampton than in similar Devon towns, particularly at the weekends.

'We wish to reduce these particular forms of crime and the fear of crime in Okehampton.

'We would hope to deter individuals with criminal intent by having a high quality monitoring system in place.

'This would enhance the chances of the local community and the police being able to recognise and identify those breaking the law and causing a nuisance in the town.'

The new CCTV system is radio transmitted and would include coverage of the park.

Cllr Bickley said: 'It would provide evidence which has sufficient integrity for the police to make a successful arrest and prosecution of that individual.'

The public gave positive feedback after a CCTV van was parked in front of St James' Chapel giving people a chance to view the system and comment on it.

Neighbourhood Beat Manager for the town centre PC Jonathan Ludwig said:' Having CCTV in the town would be an important weapon in fighting crime.

He said it was all about how the system is set up: 'It needs to be carefully considered, regarding where the cameras are placed and how they will be monitored.

'If it's 24-hour monitoring then we can be there very quickly, but if it is recorded, it will obviously take a little longer to go through the footage.'

A proposal for a radio transmitted system with cameras covering Red Lion Yard, Fore Street, East and West Street and St James Street was presented to the chamber, after Okehampton Police and traders took part in providing statistics regarding hotspots for crime they felt would benefit from CCTV coverage.

It was proposed the chamber would cover the ongoing annual maintenance costs of the system.

The development will be funded by the town council which set money aside from previous years within the budget for CCTV.

The council will also be seeking further funding partners for the scheme within the town.

Cllr Bickley said: 'Okehampton United Trust has, in principle, made an offer of £10,000, providing the town council can fund the rest and lead the project.

'We will be looking for other funding from local businesses who want to support the CCTV system.'

The council is currently deciding whether to buy or lease CCTV — it may favour the leasing option as it is easier to get the equipment upgraded.