THE latest addition to the closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) network in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland was unveiled yesterday.

Redcar and Cleveland's Community Safety Partnership's successful application to the Home Office's Crime Reduction Programme has funded the £120,000 three-camera system at Loftus.

After consultation with Loftus Town Council and the Loftus Business Group, the cameras have been installed at locations in the North Road car park, the Market Place and at the Station Road and West Road junction.

Last week, a similar three-camera system in Marske was introduced and there is an ongoing commitment to extending and improving the network, which now has more than 110 cameras throughout the borough.

The council is funding a seven-camera system in the Eston and Normanby area, focusing on Eston Cemetery, Eston Square, Bankfields, Normanby Top and Whale Hill.

Guisborough's seven-camera system will soon have its pictures beamed back live to the council's control room, and funding has also been secured for the same facility to be fitted to Saltburn's six cameras in the next few months.

Council lead member for community safety Councillor Dave McLuckie said: "We believe we have comprehensive coverage of community wardens and now this increased investment in CCTV will give us another important tool in the process to rid communities of anti-social behaviour.

"We don't pretend to have all the answers, but we do believe we are answering a lot of concerns from across the borough and our message is clear - the police and the council will use CCTV evidence to prosecute, as and when necessary."