KENDAL is in line for seven new CCTV cameras as part of a £1million scheme approved by Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner.

The scheme could go live as early as December this year, with cameras set to be installed right across the town centre.

The new system, formally given the go-ahead by commissioner Richard Rhodes, will form part of a county-wide scheme to install up to 54 top of the range cameras in each of Cumbria’s districts.

MORE TOP STORIES: “CCTV can play a vital role in delivering a safe and secure environment for people who live, work and visit Cumbria, and supports crime prevention, reduces anti-social behaviour, and crime and disorder,” he said.

“It also has a significant impact on bringing offenders to justice, potentially reducing investigative time and freeing up officers.”

Planning applications have been submitted for CCTV cameras on Stricklandgate, outside McDonalds, the central traffic island at the junction of New Road and Blackhall Road, on Stramongate and on Highgate near to the Oxfam shop.

There are currently no CCTV cameras operated by either the police or South Lakeland District Council in the town.

The scheme has been funded by Mr Rhodes’ office, with contributions including match-funding from South Lakeland District Council and anti-social behaviour grants. The day-to-day operational costs will be met by Cumbria Constabulary, and will be proactively monitored 24/7 by a central team at Cumbria’s police headquarters in Penrith.

Mr Rhodes said he hoped the scheme would be welcomed by local people.

“Business people in Kendal were telling me they were pleased because obviously it will help with retail thefts and things,” he said.

The cameras, he said, would be a ‘best of breed’ sustainable system, although would need refreshing at a cost of around £600,000 in seven years time.

Cumbria’s deputy chief constable, Jeremy Graham, added: “It is great news that the CCTV scheme has now been approved.

“The new system will provide consistent and improved CCTV coverage across Cumbria.”