A COUNCIL has won more than £100,000 of Government cash to improve and modernise its closed circuit television.

Chorley Borough Council will use the £102,700 windfall to extend its town centre secured car park scheme to cover five car parks.

The initiative was among 35 CCTV schemes across the country to win nearly £4million. The cash is the first part of the £150million CCTV package which the Government announced in March.

Chorley Council will boost the initiative with a further £173,00 to improve lighting, fencing and signs.

Blackburn MP, Home Secretary Jack Straw said: "CCTV has become an extra set of eyes for the police - always 'on the beat' in communities, towns and shopping centres.

"This valuable tool is vital to the police in their fight against crime and has proved its worth in reducing crime and making people feel safer.

"Vehicle crime is a good example. CCTV has helped many car parks gain Secured Car Park Status, enjoying dramatic falls in vehicle crime and increases in usage.

"After we announced the £150million package in March we received hundreds of bids from Crime and Disorder Partnerships all over the country. The 35 winners represent the most imaginative and well considered schemes."

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