A major plan to boost security across Dudley borough is gathering pace as the roll-out of a £1.7million new CCTV system nears completion.

Dudley and Brierley Hill town centres have had a string of new cameras installed and work in other towns is nearing completion. As part of the work, old and outdated cameras are being replaced by state-of-the-art cameras with improved capabilities and enhanced images.

Work is continuing in Stourbridge and Halesowen, with further work planned for Gornal and Sedgley. A new control centre is also being kitted out with equipment to oversee the network.

Dudley Council is working in partnership with West Midlands Police to make sure the system improves safety and security across the borough. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member responsible for community safety, said:

"These new CCTV cameras will hopefully have a big, positive impact on not only making people feel safe in our town centres, but also providing more detailed footage of any issues that arise.

"As part of our commitment to the Dudley Deal we are investing in making the borough safer. People can help too by reporting issues to us.”

Chief Superintendent Sally Bourner, Dudley Neighbourhood Policing Unit Commander, added:

"We are continuing to work closely with Dudley Council as the CCTV system rolls out. CCTV is one of the many ways we can work together to tackle crime and improve safety.

"People can also play their part by playing an active and neighbourly role in their communities through schemes such as Street Watch.”

As part of the budget proposals for the next financial year, council bosses have agreed £1.7 million to be invested into the scheme, which includes new cameras and the control room. There are also a number of mobile cameras which can be used to target hotspots using robust supportive intelligence reports drawn up in partnership with West Midlands Police.

The roll out of the cameras and the control room work is expected to be completed by spring.