Published: Wednesday, 7th May, 2008 2:30pm

Police want CCTV ... but who can afford it?

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A North Ayrshire police chief has said that CCTV in Largs would save police time and leave them more opportunity to tackle crime on the streets.

However, North Ayrshire Council have told the "News" that a community group will have to steer the issue forward and raise funds as they cannot afford security cameras.

Despite strong public backing for security cameras in Largs town centre, after a recent "News" poll received unanimous backing from the community, the lack of funds mean that Largs will be without such a security measure for the forseeable future.

At the recent North Coast committee meeting at Moorburn Chambers, North Ayrshire Labour councillor Alex Gallagher asked Chief Inspector, Andrew Sweeney, if the police would support security cameras in Largs amid crime concerns in the town centre.

Inspector Andrew Sweeney stated: 'The towns which have had CCTV have been generally supportive of it. CCTV helps us in a variety of ways and it helps identify individuals and provides evidence towards court convictions and reduces time for police as it keeps them out of court and tackling crime on the streets. I am totally behind CCTV in Largs.'

For more of the story, read the Largs and Millport Weekly News.