A HI-TEC security scheme focusing on a community high school is being backed by government funding.

The Home Office has agreed to fork out three quarters of the cost of installing a £40,000-plus closed circuit television surveillance system at Westleigh High School.

Westleigh head Stephen Preston was in Piccadilly, Manchester last Friday to hear Bolton MP Tom Sackville tell him the community school was among only 70 in England and Wales to successfully bid for CCTV security funding.

A delighted Mr Preston thanked those who'd prepared and supported their application and outlined what it meant.

He explained: "I don't think ours was selected because we face worse problems than others. I believe ours was a comprehensive, quality bid, selected on technical merits.

"We are proposing to site one camera which will also cover Westleigh Methodist land adjoining our school, benefitting the community.

"Our security package covers the brand new Information Technology centre, planned for later this year, which is vital for the future well-being of the school. Roller shutters, improved lighting and a visible position will help.

"You can never guarantee these measures will prevent problems, but we should be able to sleep a bit easier."

Mr Preston praised local businesses, industry and police for helping secure £31,200 funding towards the total cost of the £40,570 scheme, and his own staff for their help in preparing the bid.

He said: "This is yet another sign of the growing credibility and popularity of the school which, for the second year running, is oversubscribed.

"The installation of a state of the art close circuit TV system will allow the school to save funds from the school budget which can then be directed, quite properly, to children and their learning.

"The safety and well-being of all pupils and staff will be enhanced and our growing popularity as a community learning centre for adult classes will receive a much needed boost.

"School governors and myself are grateful for the support given to the bid by Director of Education Bob Clark and his LEA team."

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