Monmouthshire's CCTV system is to be upgraded from BT-rented lines to a wireless radio link connection.

Funding for the upgrade was approved at a cabinet meeting in the Shire Hall last Wednesday (3rd October), where councillors also discussed Monmouth's inclusion in the scheme.

The 18 cameras used in Chepstow, Abergavenny and Caldicot will stay the same but the cables that link them will be replaced by a more flexible radio link system, allowing the cameras to be moved and more added if needed.

The same will be done in Monmouth should its town council decide to re-join the Monmouthshire CCTV Scheme.

It will cost around £85,000 to install the new system, money well spent according to deputy leader and cabinet member for community development, Councillor Phil Hobson.

"We will be able to move cameras to where trouble is brewing – it gives us a built-in flexibility and responsiveness," he said.

"There have been instances when cables have been cut by contractors and we have needed to dig up the street to repair it.

"We are enhancing the system to provide the flexibility and security that people want and need.

"It is quite a coup for us to work with partners and get a system fit for the 20th century."

MCC's anti-social behaviour project officer Andy Mason said: "This is a point-to-point technology very different from wireless broadband and the security us twice as good as a standard laptop."

Mr Mason said he had talked to Monmouth's CCTV working party about the changes and the possibility of the town rejoining the scheme.

Independent group leader, Cllr Simon Howarth, told cabinet he did not want the report to be accepted with Monmouth a part of it.

Council leader, Cllr Peter Fox, said: "It needs to be ready to go in Monmouth if they are to buy in."

Mr Mason said the purchase of equipment for Monmouth would not happen until the town council committed to it.

Cllr Hobson said it was important to make budgetry provision now.

"Monmouth may or may not come in, but we've got the option to fund it now," he said.

"We don't know what the future capabilities are going to be but we have to get the infrastructure now.

"With regards to Monmouth, the door is open. I am excited about the possibility of working with them and listening to what they want for their citizens and I hope they, and others, will come in and join us."