THE Monmouthshire Beacon has this week given its wholehearted backing to the campaign to get CCTV cameras operational in Monmouth.

The decision follows the launch of a campaign by the Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce to persuade Monmouth Town Council to provide the £12,000 needed to fund the cameras.

A well attended public meeting, attended by 59 people, including 21 traders, was told the neighbouring towns of Usk, Chepstow and Abergavenny had CCTV cameras operating.

The traders had hoped the Town Council would reconsider its decision not to fund the cameras.

"Sadly, the feedback from the Town Council suggests the Council will not reconsider their decision on CCTV" said Chamber chairman, David Cummings.

"The Chamber feels that our only option is to have a petition in a number of shops whereby those members of the public in support of CCTV can indicate that support".

The police have already indicated support for the cameras and have met Town Councillors to discuss the matter.

Chamber Secretary, Mr Brian Ramsey, said: "I met with the Mayor, Counc Terry Christopher, on Monday of last week and, notwithstanding my assertion that it is the wish of the majority of residents in the town to have CCTV switched back on again, he stated that he did not believe that the Town Council would be changing its mind.

" The Town Council simply do not believe that theirs is a silent majority".

He told traders "I would be grateful therefore if you could send an e mail to the Town Clerk, for the attention of the Mayor, at [email protected]">[email protected], stating your support for the reinstatement of CCTV".

The Beacon understand that it is hoped that over 1,000 people will have signed the petition by the end of March.

Petition forms are going to numerous businesses in Monmouth, including Bridge Cycles, Monmouth Appliance Centre, The Gatehouse, Robin Hood, Ladbrokes, Michael Skidmore, The Coach House, Ace Taxis, Singleton Court, Agincourt Antiques, Emma Webster, Le Gourmet, Wigmore's and Hair and Beauty.

It appears many traders believe the CCTV system is an important part of the fight to prevent crime and vandalism in Momouth.

Beacon Editor, Robert Williams, said on Tuesday "Every week we report incidents of vandalism and crime in the town and we firmly believe all possible measures should be used in the fight against this senseless crime.

"Traders are finding it increasingly difficult in the current financial climate and we are determined to back them in any way".

He said that The Beacon would be having petition forms in its office in Monnow Street and he hoped townspeople would take advantage of the opportunity to give their backing to the campaign by signing the forms backing the cameras in the town.