ocal traders are stepping up their fight for the town's CCTV system to be activated by holding a public meeting, which they hope local business people, councillors and residents will attend.

Because of the size of the venue, only a small number of traders were able to meet town councillors at Monday's meeting where the issue was discussed, but traders hope that by holding a public meeting in a larger venue, they will attract a good turn out.

They believe that without CCTV cameras Monmouth will become a soft target for crime.

However, following a report by a working group, members of Monmouth Town Council are in unanimous agreement to continue the withdrawal of financial support for the scheme.

In a press release to the Beacon, the council state: "As the current project is vested in MCC, the Town Council should only view any possible future involvement in such a project with MCC as a sponsor (or part sponsor) rather than as a partner, and any funds sought by MCC for the project should be considered by the Town Council on this basis.

"The Town Council should remain mindful of a possible future need for CCTV in Monmouth and that its future involvement, whether jointly with MCC or as a local scheme run by the Town Council, should be reconsidered under the following conditions:

"There is evidence of an improved commitment to the scheme by the Police through contributions in terms of both manpower and finance; there is a more pro-active attitude towards the project from its main beneficiaries, particularly local traders and shopkeepers, and crime levels within the town rise to justify such an investment."

Speaking on behalf of Monmouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Brian Ramsey said: "The Chamber is disappointed at the decision by the Town Council not to fund CCTV. We specifically requested at the meeting on Monday evening that they consider holding a public meeting in order to gauge public feeling at this present time, before making their final decision. For more on this story please see The Monmouthshire Beacon issue dated February 4th.