SPY cameras could be installed on a Darlington housing estate and at the railway station early next year.

Darlington Borough Council's cabinet yesterday agreed to appoint design consultants for 19 closed-circuit television sites on Firth Moor and the installation of 11 re-locatable cameras.

The work involves installing cables from the Bank Top railway station, to monitor GNER's 18 cameras there.

Two new cameras, one in Victoria Road and another in Yarm Road, will link into the Bank Top surveillance system.

GNER asked the council for help after the station was plagued by car crime.

The rail operator said it did not have the resources or trained staff to make full use of the CCTV system and approached the council to see if it would monitor the cameras for an annual fee.

The request resulted in a joint funding bid.

Darlington council secured a Home Office grant of £416,000 for the initiatives.