ACCRINGTON police unveiled their new £160,000 mobile and fixed CCTV system - and warned the region's criminals there was no place left to hide.

The new system now in operation works from a state-of-the-art suite in Accrington police station where trained staff watch more than 30 screens with pictures beamed from 'spies in the skies' positioned all over Hyndburn.

The system replaces old cameras which monitored Accrington town centre and cover has now been extended to Great Harwood, Rishton, Clayton-le-Moors, Baxenden and Oswaldtwistle.

Unlike the old design the new cameras rotate within a glass bubble that disguises their movements so people don't know they are looking at them.

The police also operate cameras from a police van that can enter parks and other public areas where fixed cameras are not positioned.

The cameras are on the roof and in the front window of the van and can focus up to 200 yards and have a microphone system that can pick up conversations.

The new system, funded by money from Hyndburn Council, was opened by Accrington Mayor Coun Sandra Hayes. Insp Phil Cottam said the new system will be used to protect the people of Hyndburn and with the work of the police's community beat officers help to reduce all crimes including juvenile vandalism.

"The new system will cover the whole of Hyndburn, not just in Accrington centre where we have around 20, but in the outlying towns as well.

"And where the fixed units can't go we have the mobile cameras in the police van. These can pick up car number plates from 200 yards away and record voices via microphones on the outside of the van. So it can be used on public demonstrations and football matches.

"The officers in the van also have access to hand-held cameras so they can take them where event he van can't go. These will be really good for getting into inaccessible areas such as parks where a lot of juvenile nuisance takes place.

"Some people have concerns about the use of CCTV and that it is an infringement of privacy and civil liberties, but we can only operate them under strict guidelines and laws from the Data Protection Act. They will be used in a manner that is appropriate."

Coun Hayes said: "The new system comes from money from the council and Area Councils. We wanted the CCTV's in place to make our streets safe and cut vandalism. I'm pleased to open it because it is something that myself and the council believe in and support."