A major review of CCTV cameras and other crime-busting measures is to be launched across Shropshire in a bid to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, council bosses have announced.

Shropshire Council said the study would mainly focus on spy-cameras to try to tackle problems such as bricks being thrown at residents and low-level criminal activity throughout the county.

But the review will also include a look at street lighting, graffiti and other areas in certain parts of Shropshire to help cut down on the problem.

Anti-social behaviour has blighted parts of the county, including the Castlefields and Ditherington area of Shrewsbury, in recent years.

Problems have included bricks being thrown at residents, intimidation, vandalism and graffiti.

The 12-month review will mainly determine where more CCTV cameras are needed and where others need to be replaced.

But Chris Edwards, assistant director for environmental maintenance at the newly-formed council, said it would be wide-ranging, and will focus on enhancing measures in certain parts of the county.

He said: “We will be undertaking a Shropshire-wide CCTV strategy review over the first 12 months of the council.

“We need to put the cameras where they are needed and link into the data and intelligence that the police have.

“We also need to link up with police and get the best value for money out of the existing resources we have got.

“We will look at all aspects of anti-social behaviour and how we can deal with it, such as with street lighting.

“The review will also very much look to work in partnership with many of the local volunteer groups who provide a very valuable CCTV service to their communities and will also look at CCTV in Shrewsbury which is the main one we are responsible for.”

Shropshire Councillor Alan Mosley has already called for CCTV coverage in Ditherington and improvements to the camera system already in place in the precinct area in Castlefields.

Today Mr Mosley, a councillor for Castlefields and Ditherington, said he was “pleased” progress was being made.

By John Kirk