A BID to bring CCTV cameras to Barnoldswick town centre will be made by Pendle Council later this month.

The idea came about as a result of a town centre referendum held two years ago, which showed massive support for CCTV.

Councillor Frank Neal, who has led the fight for cameras in Barnoldswick, said: "For years, people have missed out. I have worked with officers and lobbied government ministers to identify sources of money to push Barnoldswick's case.

"As a result of our efforts, the Home Office has given us the opportunity to bid. The Government has already contributed to cameras in Brierfield, Nelson and Colne and the time is right for Barnoldswick to push its case."

Nelson town centre received 13 cameras in April last year, but bids for cameras in Barrowford, Colne and West Craven were rejected by the Government because of lack of information.

It was announced last month that Colne will now receive CCTV after £376,000 of government cash from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund was allocated for a CCTV system in the town.

The scheme will consist of 14 cameras complete with help points and will cover Albert Road, car parks such as Linden Road and behind the library, as well as the train station and business and retail park in North Valley Road.

It is now hoped the bid for Barnoldswick will be as successful. Coun Azhar Ali, leader of the council, said: "We promised that we would support cameras in other areas and this is proof of the pudding.

"I hope that we will get support from all groups in order to further this bid, which has to be in for March 31.

"In addition to cameras, we are also looking at innovative ways in which wardens could be linked to this scheme to tackle crime, but equally, the fear of crime."

The bid will be made to the Government's Asset Recovery Fund, which has a national total of £10 million.