SENIOR police chiefs have reassured residents across North Yorkshire that the future of crime-busting spy camera schemes is close to being secured.

Fears were expressed last month about the future of the county's successful closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) systems.

North Yorkshire Police want to withdraw from the primary monitoring of CCTV camera images in two years' time - a move which has concerned local authorities, which would be left with the task.

But Chief Constable David Kenworthy said talks were well under way with council leaders to find the most effective way forward, and to decide who pays for the schemes.

The cameras have helped cut crime figures since their introduction, with networks in Northallerton, Thirsk and the Harrogate district having a positive impact.

But police authority members have expressed concerns over who would foot the bill for future running costs, particularly monitoring pictures.

Mr Kenworthy said: "I think CCTV is good, and we should keep it at all costs. The trouble is that it is cost which is the issue here.

"We didn't have a countywide plan for dealing with CCTV when it was brought in. The Government made money available for the capital cost, but not for the running costs. We set up on an ad-hoc basis and the authority was in danger of being committed to the unaffordable."

Mr Kenworthy said the force could make premises available and provide other facilities for monitoring camera shots, but added: "What we don't have is the staff or money for monitoring."

Police authority vice-chairman Jane Kenyon warned that the best solution must be found, as there was a great deal of public confidence in CCTV.

"They want monitoring and enlargement of the schemes. It is important we get it right. There could be a knock-on effect on many partnerships we are trying to build," she said.

Deputy chief constable Peter Walker said he was in talks with council chief executives to address some authorities' worries that they were not getting the best funding deal.

"We are probably closer to some means of resolving this conundrum than we have been for some time. CCTV is a fundamental part of community safety and it is part of our partnerships with councils," he said.