PLANS for the installation of crime-beating closed circuit television cameras in Radcliffe town centre have taken a giant step forward.

Yesterday the Home Office announced funding of £20,000 for the ambitious project, which involves total capital of £50,000.

Radcliffe was one of 19 areas in the North West which qualified for a share of the £1.46 million Home Office funding for CCTV cameras in the region. The surveillance equipment will be one of the vital strands in a revamped town centre along with a refurbished bus station and new Kwik Save store.

The aim of the cameras will be to help counter crime and vandalism in the town centre.

It is envisaged the ten cameras can be set up around the bus station and areas embracing Blackburn Street, Deansgate, Dale Street and part of Church Street West.

Bury Council will contribute £15,000 towards the scheme with the same amount being met by funding partners Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and Radcliffe Traders' Association.

Bury Council's Radcliffe Renewal advisory committee chairman, Coun Kevin Scarlett, has welcomed the Home Office funding.

"This is all really tied up with the next phase of redevelopment and now that we've obtained funding for the cameras that's a piece of the jigsaw."

He stressed the cameras would not be installed until all outstanding issues relating to the bus station refurbishment and Kwik Save development were resolved.

"But I'm hoping it can happen in the not-too-distant future," added Coun Scarlett.

"I'm very pleased at least one piece of the jigsaw for the next phase of redevelopment is in place. Let's hope we can proceed and move on with the other elements."

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