LUDLOW'S long-awaited CCTV cameras are on course to be in operation by mid-August, boosting law and order in the town.

The £85,000 network, initially made up of six cameras, is expected to be up and running by the week beginning Monday, August 18, although it could be earlier, depending on the progress of installation work.

South Shropshire District Council's corporate policy manager, Andrew McCartney, said: "The programmed launch date is Friday, August 15, for it to go live or the week beginning the 18th."

The imminent arrival of CCTV in Ludlow will come as a relief to town traders and residents following two years of setbacks and delays.

Mr McCartney explained: "I'm pleased with the way it's gone in the last three to four months and that's due to the national company, ADT, we've used."

He went on: "There's been some inconvenience caused to the residents but I think people realise the potential long-term benefits to the community."

He explained why the cameras had become necessary, saying: "There have been reported instances of anti-social behaviour around the town centre on Fridays and Saturdays.

"The police have given me an undertaking the cameras will be monitored during these peak times.

"Hopefully, people will feel safer and there will be a reduced fear of crime. I also think it will be a long-term benefit for businesses which suffer from petty vandalism."

Vandals, louts and thieves were warned the cameras were likely to increase the odds of them being caught. "If we don't catch them, then we will have the evidence to prosecute them," said Mr McCartney.

The locations of the cameras will be 22 Castle Street, 7 High Street, 60 Broad Street, Sketchleys' former shop in High Street, Age Concern's premises in Tower Street and the One Stop shop at Upper Galdeford.

Cable installation work in the areas involved will be carried out in the run-up to the switch-on of the cameras.

The system is being paid for by the district council and Ludlow Town Council, with £28,000 coming from European funding.