THE people of Monmouth and district are being urged to throw their weight behind a concerted campaign to get CCTV cameras in the town.

Although Monmouth Town Council has voted against providing financial backing for the cameras, traders have argued they are needed to help in the fight against crime.

One trader told The Beacon her premises had been broken into on three separate occasions.

"The cameras might not have stopped the break ins, but at least they might have made it easier for the police to catch those responsible" she said.

Other people have told of instances when attacks have taken place, sometimes close to where cameras are situated but not in operation.

Brian Ramsey, Secretary of the Monmouth District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said that the Chamber was keen to enter into a constructive dialogue with all interested parties.

The purpose of the planned public meeting was to ensure that the Town Council was convinced that there was a discernible public need for CCTV in the town.

"If the cameras and infrastructure are removed in toto it will be extremely costly to replace them in the future" he said.

"I have not found any town of comparable size that is removing CCTV cameras, in fact all those that I have spoken to have reported that they are improving and upgrading their systems.

"We are convinced that CCTV is a necessity not a luxury and we want the Town Council to reconsider its decision."

For more on this story, see The Monmouthshire Beacon issue dated February 25th