A NEW closed-circuit television (CCTV) system for north-west Durham will leave criminals with nowhere to hide, it was said yesterday.

Derwentside District Council is introducing three digital cameras to each of its 22 wards, in a £350,000 project.

The units can rotate 360 degrees, zoom in hundreds of yards and send crystal-clear, colour images back to a central control room in Consett.

Councillor Michael Mallone, the authority's deputy leader, took a walk around Blackhill and Consett Park to demonstrate the technology.

He said: "The days of CCTV producing grainy black and white images are gone. This gives us digital TV-standard pictures with a crispness and clarity that is exceptional. From 400 feet away, the camera could pick out the Newcastle United emblem on my tie."

Police and council officers have prepared a presentation pack for schools and vulnerable people, to show them the power of the cameras.

"The objective is to tackle fear of crime. Groups like the elderly can derive comfort and a sense of security from this system," said Coun Mallone.

The first phase, costing £110,000, was completed this year, with cameras set up in Leadgate, Blackhill and Stanley. Phase two will see a further seven wards fitted with cameras by Christmas, with the rest to follow by 2005.

Chief Inspector Dave Hogg, of Durham Police, said: "This is a huge measure in terms of reducing crime and disorder.

"We have proved over the years that CCTV has a dramatic impact on crime and we welcome this expansion."

Police are supporting the system with two mobile cameras, which should be on the road by early next year.

"These will be overt units, operating at least 16 hours a day, that will leave people in no doubt that they are being watched," said Chief Insp Hogg. The fixed cameras will also be linked to the Shopwatch and Pubwatch schemes in Stanley and Consett.

Staff at each outlet in the scheme have a radio link to the control centre, so officers can follow potential shop-lifters or troublemakers.

PC Sarah Hindmarsh, Stanley town centre beat manager, said: "People know where the cameras are on the Front Street and it makes them feel more secure."

Brian Johnson, manager of Asda in Stanley, said: "The cameras and Shopwatch give us good communications with the police when we need it most."