Roving eyes may be cast over the borough's crime hotspots after a West Finchley councillor pushed for investment in mobile CCTV cameras this week.

Labour councillor Kath McGuirk is using a private member's bill to ask for funding for mobile CCTV cameras to be included in next year's budget.

She said: "Although crime statistics for smaller shopping areas are comparatively low, fear of crime and trouble at certain times of day are still important issues. Mobile CCTV is part of the answer, along with neighbourhood wardens and police action."

Barnet Council currently operates fixed CCTV cameras in Edgware and Golders Green town centres and on the Grahame Park Estate, while it recently secured government funding for CCTV in North Finchley.

The cost of mobile CCTV schemes ranges from £25,000 to £150,000 and Ms McGuirk admits this could be a problem.

She added: "There is always a funding issue and the gap in funding for CCTV needs to be filled. Mobile CCTV must go where crime and fear of crime is highest."

The bill will come as welcome news to residents of East Barnet who have been campaigning for mobile cameras.

Andy Widger, a member of the East Barnet Village Residents' Association said: "It's fantastic the council is helping but the problem we have in East Barnet is that things only happen so often, so we will probably be overlooked."

The bill is due to be debated on December 6 when the council's budget consultation will be launched.

November 28, 2001 19:48

KEVIN BURCHALL