COMMUNITY support is being sought for a new state-of-the art CCTV system to help improve public safety in Malton and Norton.

Pledges of substantial financial contributions have been made by both town councils following a crunch meeting over the future of the system, which was installed nearly 20 years ago.

Norton Town Council has offered up to £10,000 towards capital costs and up to £5,000 each year for ongoing revenue costs, while Malton Town Council has offered up to £20,000 towards capital costs and up to £9,000 each year for ongoing revenue costs.

The total cost of the new scheme is expected to be in the region of £40,000 with running costs of about £15,000 each year.

Pickering Town Council decided some years ago not to continue to support CCTV monitoring in the town so there are currently no cameras there.

However, there have been indications from Pickering’s business community that they would like to see them reinstated, but that will depend on funding being forthcoming.

Ryedale Cameras in Action (RCIA), which was set up to help introduce CCTV in Malton, Norton and Pickering, is now looking for further backing to replace the system before funding runs out next March.

Malton Town Councillor Martin Dales, who is chairman and a founder member of RCIA said: “The contributions from both town councils is fantastic news for the communities of Malton and Norton and means that we are well on the way to having the funds needed to help make residents, children and young people, visitors and businesses alike feel safer as they move around and do their business in the towns.

"As in 1996, we are now appealing to businesses, stakeholders, individuals and other interested parties in helping us boost the funding so that we can get on with the installation at the earliest opportunity.”

Mr Dales said CCTV monitoring was currently carried out at Malton Police Station, but with the likelihood of the station being sold in the near future it was necessary to relocate the monitoring as soon as possible.

He said: “In essence, we are suggesting replacing the current system, retaining the current camera locations, moving the monitoring out of Malton Police Station, as it is likely to relocate anyway, to Scarborough Borough Council’s CCTV facility where it would be monitored 24/7 by dedicated trained operators who also have direct radio access to the police.”

Councillor Paul Andrews, mayor of Malton, said: "I very much welcome the investment the town is making in securing public safety. This will benefit businesses and residents alike. The present equipment is old, out of date and needs replacing. The transfer to Scarborough will improve operational effectiveness, and local funding will ensure that a full local service will continue to be provided in Malton and Norton."

Councillor Ray King, Norton mayor, said: "Both towns are growing bigger and we need to do all we can to ensure the safety of residents and businesses."

Inspector Simon Jolly, of Malton Police, added: "The RCIA group has done a fantastic job in following aspiration through to reality regarding this project. They have done the residents of Ryedale proud in what they have achieved."

Anyone who would like to offer financial support is asked to get in contact with RCIA by phoning 01653 600990 or email mpd@martindales.me.uk