A NETWORK of closed-circuit television cameras will soon be keeping a round-the-clock surveillance of an East Durham town centre.

Home Office funding has provided the go-ahead for the installation of a CCTV system in all of Peterlee's planned new car parks.

Work on the £90,000 project will begin early next year and is scheduled to be completed by summer 2001.

A multi-million pound redevelopment scheme, which will include a police station, courthouse, Asda store, and additional shopping facilities, is already under way in Peterlee.

The CCTV system, which is to be installed in the several car parks servicing the newly upgraded centre, is viewed as the icing on the cake, and has been welcomed by police, shoppers and retailers alike.

Twelve cameras will be installed at strategic points throughout the designated parking areas, protecting vehicles and leaving lawbreakers with no place to hide.

The string of high-tech cameras will be monitored from a new control room which is to be sited in the town.

And in the first major step towards the introduction of the closed circuit system, Easington District Council this week invited experienced contractors to tender for the installation work.

Construction on the town's police station has already started, and commenting on the introduction of a camera system, Chief Inspector David Pickard said: "We support the installation of the CCTV system and look forward to anything which improves the quality of life for residents and visitors, and at the same time cuts down on crime.''

A spokesman at Easington council said: "Earlier this year we successfully applied to the Home Office for funding to install 12 cameras to the new car parks being developed as part of the Peterlee Town Centre redevelopment.

"The council, working in partnership with Durham Constabulary and Modus Properties, has developed the scheme, which has attracted approximately £100,000 of funding from the Home Office and Modus.''

The spokesman said the aim of the scheme was to "cut car crime and the fear of crime within the local community"