A Silsden man says surveillance cameras should be used to combat crime in the town.

Businessman John Lohan's call comes as Bradford council says it is going to review the effectiveness of closed-circuit cameras (CCTV) in reducing crime and the fear of crime.

Mr Lohan says Silsden taxpayers are entitled to protection and CCTV could help. He feels that if cameras are put in prominent sites such as Kirkgate and Bolton Road then people would feel much safer.

Mr Lohan, a partner in Airevalley Insurance Services, says he was concerned by a recent story in the Keighley News that community constables could be removed from the town. "If this policy of cut, cut, cut continues, levels of crime, vandalism and violence will continue to inc-rease as a consequence," he says. "Is it not time we had surveillance cameras at strategic points in our town?

"Surely we are entitled to some form of protection - after all, we are paying for it."

Mr Lohan intends to take his proposal to the next Silsden parish council meeting. Parish council vice-chairman Michael Elsmore told the Keighley News he thought CCTV was a good idea. "From a personal point of view I would have no objections," he says. "But they should not be a substitute for police officers."

Cllr John Ruding, chairman of Bradford council's community safety sub-committee, says the safety of the citizens of the district is of the highest priority.

"CCTV cameras are operating in Bradford, Keighley and Bingley and are currently being installed in Shipley," he says. "This summer, in conjunction with the police and oth-er agencies, we will be carrying out a review of the effectiveness of CCTV.

"As part of the review, we would like people throughout the district to tell us their views on the subject through neighbourhood forums and ward councillors. We would also welcome input from businesses who might be interested in sponsoring cameras."

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