EVERY effort must be made to keep Somerset’s network of crime-busting CCTV cameras operational, MP Ian Liddell-Grainger said this week.

Somerset Council has warned many cameras could be switched off as one of its economy measures as it faces a £100 million black hole in its finances and tries to avoid bankruptcy.

Mr Liddell-Grainger represents West Somerset and will be the Conservative candidate in a new constituency covering many parishes in Culm Valley and around Wellington.

He said turning off CCTV cameras would make the job of the police in staying on top of town centre crime even more difficult.

Only cameras in West Somerset which were run as an independent network would remain active if the Bridgwater control centre running all the others was mothballed under the proposals.

Mr Liddell-Grainger met with Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford to discuss the issue and said afterwards closing the control centre would adversely affect everybody in the wider county.

He said: “Not only do the cameras play a useful role in catching criminals, they provide a great reassurance to shoppers and others using town centres.

“They know if they do unfortunately become victims of crime that there is at least a chance that evidence can be collected and the perpetrators caught.

“Turning off the cameras now would remove that feeling of security which could lead to people deciding to avoid town centres at certain times of the day, with an immediate impact on trade.

“If necessary, the police and the council should make a joint approach to the Government to see if funding for CCTV can in some way be protected so that our town centres remain safe and secure places to visit and enjoy.”