A TOWN’S fight for more CCTV coverage has paid off.

Maryport town council was told yesterday that it would now be given two extra cameras, instead of the one originally proposed by the police and crime commissioner Peter McCall.

That not only brings the total to three, but will ensure that the town centre, including Curzon Street, will have full coverage in the future.

Mayor Peter Kendall said he was “absolutely delighted”.

He said: “We were very disappointed that we seemed to be getting less than other people, when our council felt CCTV was badly needed to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.”

The council decided earlier this year that it would put aside money to buy its own cameras if more were not forthcoming.

Mr McCall, when visiting Maryport yesterday, admitted that the town was only gaining because there was a CCTV camera to spare.

But he said the decision to offer it first to Maryport was based on its willingness to work in partnership with the police and PCC office.

Details are still being discussed, but it now appears there could be cameras in Senhouse Street, covering the whole area, and one facing down Curzon Street taking in the area around Lidl and the Spar shop.

Andy Petty, officer in charge of CCTV operations, said these placements were in keeping with Maryport’s crime map.

“About 95 per cent of crimes don’t happen in the town centre but in residential areas,” he said. “It is not feasible or appropriate to put cameras in those areas but where we are looking at will give us the best outcome for the town centre.”

Mr Kendall said: “All we need now is some more police on the street. I would also like to see some statues of children which are being used elsewhere to slow motorists down near schools.”