THE head of Ryedale police has said he will do everything he can to retain CCTV in Malton and Norton during his remaining time in office.

Inspector Andy Everitt is stepping down from his role on September 1 ahead of his impending retirement from North Yorkshire Police at the end of the year after 30 years’ police service.

However, he told members of Norton Town Council that CCTV was “worth its weight in gold” and was fully committed to maintaining the future of system.

“At the moment we are no further forward with CCTV and the funds held by Ryedale Cameras in Action are being run down,” he said.

“I cannot see the system surviving unless someone steps in at the 11th hour with a significant amount of money.

“The impact the loss of CCTV would have on Malton and Norton is not fully appreciated.”

In April, an agreement was reached with Ryedale District Council to extend the line contract the authority holds with BT, with the costs met by Ryedale Cameras in Action (RCIA).

Funding is currently provided by the two town councils with previous donations made by businesses, shops and pubs in the two towns.

Insp Everitt said plans were well advanced to move Malton Police Station into Ryedale House, the home of the district council, which would also mean the CCTV monitoring system would need to be relocated if it was to be maintained.

“There are so many different aspects of CCTV which I feel give a town a feel good factor, and also gives a good indication to people living here and considering moving to the area that a town is looking after itself,” he said.

“The examples of how CCTV has helped are endless but include traffic offences, anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and locating vulnerable people, not forgetting the fatal house fire in Norton when the system was invaluable.

“In addition, our volunteer Street Angels, who do such a valuable job, would not go out in Malton and Norton on a Saturday night without the comfort of knowing CCTV is following the round and keeping them safe.”

Insp Everitt questioned the reasoning behind Ryedale District Council withdrawing its funding contribution, asking “how many of those councillors live in Malton and Norton?”

He added: “I would like to give my reassurance that during my remaining time I will push whichever way I can to try to retain CCTV and to try to find a way forward. I will also fully support key individuals who bring others together to look for a way forward.”