Chesham: Chesham town centre's five CCTV cameras could be on their way out after Chiltern District Council refused a request to take on the funding of the network.

Chesham Town Council, which currently funds the system, asked the district council to take on the cost after contributions from retailers fell dramatically.

The firm that leases the cameras has insisted all cameras be upgraded if the lease, which runs out next year, is renewed. This would put a substantial financial strain on the town council which is struggling to meet the costs, in the region of £20,000. It may halt its funding of the scheme later this month.

Bernard Meldrum, who coordinates the volunteer effort to monitor the town centre cameras, said: "I fear we will end up with nothing."

At a meeting of Chiltern District Council's executive committee on Tuesday, Cllr Don Phillips explained: "We haven't got the money. I think at the moment the answer has got to be thanks, but no thanks."

Chiltern District Council currently operates five CCTV cameras in and around Chesham, mostly in public car parks. Seven other cameras are sited in the town five of which are in the town centre and run by the town council.

Cllr Alan Walters said: "I would want the cameras to stay if at all possible but I think the district council would be being extremely unfair if they were prepared to put money into similar schemes elsewhere in the district and not treat Chesham in an even-handed way."

November 12, 2001 12:00