AN UPDATED closed-circuit television system has been installed across Alton town centre.

Alton Town Council spent £20,000 on the project and Alton company ASDC Southern carried out the work.

New cameras have also been installed in Jubilee Fields, Anstey Park and the Public Gardens.

The aim is to combat anti-social behaviour and help the police prevent and detect crime. Town council officers and police have been trained to use the system.

The town centre now has continuous coverage along its length through Normandy Street, High Street and Turk Street, and there is full coverage of Market Square. An automatic number plate recognition camera can detect specific vehicles.

The parks cameras are a response to an increase in low-level anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

ASDC Southern director Tegan Moorhouse said: “As a local business owner and a resident of Alton, I have a vested interest in protecting the town we all live in.

“The security of the people in our community is imperative – everyone should feel confident that they can walk through our town centre in safety, regardless of the time of day or who they are with.

“My work within the security sector has proven that CCTV cameras are a valuable tool in helping to achieve this – even the presence of cameras in key locations can reduce the issues experienced within the community, and mean that in the unfortunate event that incidents occur, the individuals involved can be easily identified.

“Although the installation is now complete, ASDC will continue to support Alton Town Council and the police to ensure that the system is maintained to a high standard, and can be utilised to protect the town and its

people.”