PLANS are in the pipeline to extend Redditch's CCTV scheme to other areas of the town following the preparation of a new four-part bid to be submitted to the Home Office by Christmas.

Redditch Council is launching the bid for cameras to be installed at all estate shopping centres, the Alexandra Hospital and Arrow Valley Countryside Centre, which has twice been hit by vandals in the last month.

There are also plans to expand the town centre CCTV scheme, which is due to be up and running by March.

Kingfisher Centre owners Thornfield recently pledged £35,000 for two extra cameras as part of the bus station redevelopment, bringing the total number of cameras in the town centre to 16.

Eileen Connolly, spokeswoman for the company, said: "Thornfield is paying a substantial sum towards CCTV in the new bus station as part of the first phase of the town centre redevelopment initiative.

"It will be a big boost for security and customer care and Thornfield is very much in support of the project."

Redditch Council's community safety officer, Tariq Khan, said the cost of the new bids had yet to be announced, but they were due to be submitted within the next three to four months.

He also said: "The new bid will cover all the shopping centres such as Woodrow, Batchley and Winyates."

Mr Khan added: "Everyone will have a chance to come and see a model with camera locations."

The cameras will be placed in strategic locations, with a 24-hour control centre linked to the police station.

Redditch Council has recommended the installation of camera poles and equipment at Grove Street, Red Lion Street, Alcester Street, Royal Square, Peakman Street, Prospect Hill and Other Road, which was due to be discussed by a planning committee yesterday.

Redditch Council's Community Safety Partnership applied for a share of the Home Office's £35 million CCTV fund last July.

It was confirmed in January that the town's bid for £310,000 of Government money for 14 cameras had been successful.

The bid was boosted further after the partnership secured about £5,000 in pledges from businesses, shops and pubs.

An open day and presentation will be held at the town hall next Wednesday.

A model will show camera locations and officers will be available from 10.30am-7pm to answer questions about the system.