Traders to control CCTV cameras

Traders in part of Nottingham are being allowed to monitor CCTV cameras in the area as part of a pioneering scheme to tackle vandalism.

The project in Sherwood has been set up by a partnership of police, the city council and Neighbourhood Watch.

Traders can view the footage from 10 CCTV cameras, which will go live on Monday, over the internet.

A further 22 CCTV cameras will be available for local businesses to buy as part of phase two of the scheme.

'Momentous occasion'

Mike Douglas, who chairs the Sherwood Neighbourhood Watch Association, said: "The system is unique because it's the community that has pushed to put this in place.

"We've had some great backing from local councillors and the police, and phase one is going to be quite a momentous occasion because we actually control the data."

The CCTV data can be accessed over the internet via a secure channel.

Neighbourhood Watch has been working with the police and the council to put the scheme together over the last three years in response to a rise in anti-social behaviour and vandalism in the area.