A hi-tech control centre will monitor 60 CCTV cameras installed across Shropshire’s two biggest towns following a £260,000 investment programme.In Telford & Wrekin the centre will monitor places like Oakengates, Wellington and Dawley to target anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence while in Shrewsbury three cameras are to be installed.

The cameras will be monitored from a control centre in Shrewsbury which will be revamped with new equipment and will now take on monitoring for Telford.

It follows a deal which has been struck between Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council and Telford & Wrekin Council.

Now 30 CCTV cameras in the Telford area will be monitored from the centre, which will continue to monitor a further 30 cameras in the Shrewsbury area, including three new ones which are being installed at Greyfriars, St Alkmund’s Square and at the Guildhall in Frankwell.

Mobile CCTV technology will also be used to respond to “hot spots” of activity.

Council bosses say the enhanced system will provide police with additional capacity to monitor criminal and anti-social behaviour in the areas of greatest need at key times such as Friday and Saturday nights.

David Roberts, community safety and accreditation officer at SABC, said it had invested £100,000 in the project and three new static cameras would be installed “as soon as possible”.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet is expected to endorse the plans at a meeting on Monday, with the authority investing £160,000 in the project.

Cabinet member for community services Councillor Denis Allen today said working with SABC would reduce the cost to taxpayers and send out a clear message of the commitment of both authorities to ensure the safety of residents.

By John Kirk