CRIME-busting cameras are beginning to go up in five more towns across Hyndburn.

Work has now started on an extension to the borough's closed-circuit TV system in Accrington, which was spotlighted on BBC1 earlier this month in the "Crime Beat" series.

The aim is for the five new cameras to go live in October, monitored 24 hours a day from the control room in Accrington police station.

They will be on patrol in Barnes Square, Clayton-le-Moors; the bottom of Delph Road, Great Harwood; High Street, Rishton, opposite the doctor's surgery; Henry Street, Church, by the traffic lights; and Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, outside the Late Shop.

As well as helping to catch criminals and deter crime and vandalism, they will help monitor traffic flows and record incidents such as illegal tipping. All the cameras will be on poles, except the Great Harwood one which will be fixed to a building.

BT and Norweb are involved in cabling work, and the installation of the equipment is being overseen by specialist contractors.

Extra monitoring screens are also being introduced in the police station.

The development of the camera system has been made possible by a successful Hyndburn Partnership bid which secured £49,000 Home Office funding towards the £99,000 scheme.

Hyndburn Council leader George Slynn said: "We are nearing the completion of Hyndburn Partnership's aim to extend CCTV across the borough.

"This will directly benefit local residents and businesses in the five townships combating crime and attracting investment into the borough."

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