CRIME-cracking surveillance cameras could prove to be the perfect Christmas present for Darwen town centre if a new bid for cash is successful.

Blackburn Council has submitted a second CCTV Challenge Scheme application totalling £50,000 to the Home Office. A previous request for £90,000 was rejected last year.

The aim of the initiative is to reduce nuisance and vandalism in the town centre and is being supported by the police.

Under the plans three cameras will be installed around the Town Hall, markets and bus station area. They will be linked to monitors in a central office in Blackburn Shopping Centre and Darwen police station.

The Council, Blackburn Partnership and private sector funding will make up the additional cost of the £307,000 scheme.

Sunnyhurst ward councillor Sue Reid worked closely with officers on the original bid.

She said: "Town centre areas, in particular the bus station, have been targeted by vandals repeatedly since they were refurbished.

"With a closed circuit TV scheme in operation that would act as a deterrent to those who are wantonly vandalising the area.

"The police do as much as they can on limited resources and a CCTV scheme would certainly make their job easier by enabling them to identify these youths."

The results of the bid are due to be announced at Christmas and could be in operation by October 1997.

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