CRIME busting closed circuit TV cameras will become the latest weapon in the fight against vandals and thieves for two local schools.

Our Lady and St John RC High in Blackburn and Accrington's Peel Park Primary are to be among the first schools in the country to get Government cash for the state-of-the-art systems.

Our Lady's have scooped a £17,095 grant towards their £22,795 scheme and Peel Park will receive £13,255 to help with their £17,673 project.

The announcement came as Our Lady's headteacher Michael Humphreys confirmed that vandals cost his school in North Road more than £20,000 in 1995 and ran-up a £8,000 glass bill during the first two months of this year.

"We have seen a shocking increase in external vandalism over the last two years.

But we are confident this system will stamp out the problem.

"The cameras should be up and running by September and will have more than paid for themselves within 12 months. They will monitor premises and identify unwelcome visitors."

Peel Park's headteacher Hugh Burkinshaw is similarly excited about the benefits of CCTV.

He said: "The school and the residents of Alice Street are delighted we have been given the go-ahead for the scheme.

"Our camera will be monitored 24-hours a day, 365 days a year when they are linked-up to the town's CCTV control room later this year.

"We want to thank the council for all the help they gave us in putting together the bid. We hope it will pay off by reducing damage to the school and public disturbance problems in the neighbouring community."

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