SECURITY expert John Fox has blasted the Government for charging schools up to £12,000 to install surveillance cameras.

Mr Fox, from Blackburn-based 21st Century, has accused the Government of scaremongering schools in the wake of the Dunblane massacre both over the cost of security systems and the lengths they will have to go to.

Now he is writing to all schools in the Blackburn and Darwen area offering to supply security cameras and recording equipment for £2,000.

Mr Fox, whose company has provided secret cameras for TV's "The Cook Report" and "Panorama" said: "I have been incensed by the prices the Government are giving.

"Schools are being misled about the cost of security, giving them the impression it is out of their reach.

"I know it doesn't cost £12,000 to install cameras and videos.

"Obviously there are a lot of anxious teachers and parents after the Dunblane massacre and they want to make sure their school is safe, but all the Government is doing is scaremongering by quoting ridiculous prices.

"They have also said that schools would need electric fences and guard dog patrols costing £58,000 to make them totally secure.

"Not only is it a ridiculous price but it would also turn schools into prisons and there is just no need for it."

Now Mr Fox has pledged to provide schools and hospitals with security cameras and recording equipment for £2,000.

He said: "I am writing to schools with this offer and I would also like to be able to help hospitals in the same way.

"It is a sad fact of life in 1996 that schools and hospitals have to take such measures, but they don't need to break their budget to do it."

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