A RESIDENTS' Association which has set up CCTV cameras in trouble-plagued streets is hailing their success in helping to catch criminals -- despite protests which sprang up over the neighbourhood 'spies'.

Kath Mawman, secretary of the Rockcliffe Street Residents' Association in Blackburn, said the cameras were bringing convictions. "They are helping us to create a safe and secure community which benefits all the residents," she added.

Last week the Lancashire Evening Telegraph reported on a placard-waving privacy protest mounted in Smalley Way when a spy camera went up outside resident Danny Thompson's house.

But Mrs Mawman said: "The camera in question was not 'placed by Mr Thompson' outside his bedroom window -- the camera is the property of the Residents' Association and the committed asked if he would be prepared to to allow his property to be used as a location for the camera."

When it was installed some residents had, quite naturally, been concerned about whether or not their privacy was being invaded, she added. "Anyone who expressed this concern either to the committee of the association or directly to Mr Thomas was encouraged to view the recordings so they could see the exact range of the camera. Everyone who did so was reassured." One resident said: "I am concerned about anyone being watched. It just doesn't seem right."

Mrs Mawman said that Mr Thompson was not "some kind of maverick" setting up his own CCTV camera, but an active and committed member of the Rockcliffe Street association.

Joanne McCabe, Assistant Housing Director (North) with the Portico Housing Association, based in Bolton, which manages the properties in Smalley Way, said it supported the association in the effort it had made to make the area a pleasant place in which to live. "This has included arranging social and community events, securing resources to carry out physical improvements and helping Portico and police tackle crime and anti-social behaviour," she added.

Any resident who had any concerns about the cameras was welcome to approach a member of the residents' association committee or Portico Housing, or to view the recordings.

Mr Thompson has refused to discuss the matter.