THE possibility of getting more CCTV facilities to keep a watchful eye over Alcester is looking more likely after an offer made by a generous member of the public - but help is being called on from town businesses.

The town council recently wrote to Stratford District Council to discuss options for getting more CCTV in the town.

They will soon be receiving a visit from a district council representative who is going to walk around the town with councillors and look at all possible sites for the siting of a CCTV column, stating which would be the best.

The final decision of where to locate it will then be left to the town council, based on what the representative discussed.

One of the most likely sites is on the Globe Island, where three busy roads would then be clearly visible.

The cost for the column will be £15,000 but one member of the public has already pledged £1,000 to the project if the council goes ahead with it.

Alcester mayor Eric Payne said: "Recent figures have shown that this CCTV really does work when it comes to deterring criminals or catching them.

"We want to extend the facilities but this will come down to cost in the end.

"Sometimes local companies contribute to projects like this as it is their interests to deter criminal activity - we would welcome this to help pay for the additional CCTV."

Insp Sarah Goodall, from Alcester police, said: "We do support this idea and have already suggested that getting more CCTV would be a very positive thing for the town.

"The equipment already set up in Alcester has proved to be extremely successful in providing evidence."