WORK on much-needed improvements to a dated CCTV system in an area blighted by crime started this week.

Businesses and villagers in Skelton have experienced an increase in crime and vandalism in recent months.

A project to improve cameras was given the go-ahead after grants were received.

During an environment committee meeting for the East Cleveland area, resident Rosemary Brady, who is owner of a hairdressers in the village, spoke of the need for the vital upgrade.

She said: "I've encountered over £800 worth of damage to my business over the last three months on the High Street.

"I hope the upgrade goes ahead as soon as possible."

Skelton ward councillor Dave McLuckie said the cameras currently in operation were of the lowest quality in the Redcar and Cleveland borough.

He said: "Skelton has suffered a serious blight of extreme vandalism in recent months and the system in place is not one that can be monitored to a high standard.

"But with the excellent news of more funding, we will soon have in place a high quality system from which images can be used as evidence in court.

"It will allow controllers to follow perpetrators of crime and hopefully bring them to justice."

Coun McLuckie told how windows had been smashed in the village, cash machines damaged and put out of use and that a number of cars had also been vandalised.

During the meeting, the cost of the upgrade was put at £40,000.

The Community Safety Partnership will contribute £15,000 and a further £15,000 grant was announced by the area environment committee during the meeting.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council will pick up the remaining balance of £10,000.

Coun Brian Briggs told how businesses in the area hope to join forces and contribute annually to the running costs of the new camera system.

He said: "The six cameras will be modernised and to help with running costs, the businesses in Skelton are keen to donate around £100 a year.

"They known the new system can safeguard their companies and it will be a vital asset for everyone."

The announcement that work was due to go ahead on Monday came after the meeting.

Telecommunications company BT confirmed equipment had been ordered and progress on installing fibre optic technology was to get under way.

A time estimate for the work has been set at about 60 days.

Coun Briggs added: "This is great news for the project and the new system will be operating sooner than we originally thought.

"A great outcome for everyone."