PLANS to increase the coverage of CCTV in Petersfield are being considered after the massive success of the camera that was installed in the High Street earlier this year.

Former town mayor Chris Jenner announced this week that the police are keen to place two new cameras in Lavant Street and Chapel Street. This would create an area of coverage reaching the railway station.

At a meeting on Monday night he told councillors that it would cost just £1,051 per quarter for two extra cameras. He said the council could look into other means of funding.

Mr Jenner told The Herald that he believes more CCTV would benefit the town as well as the police.

He said: "The police have asked me to see if we can fund two further cameras in the town. One at Chapel Street and one at Lavant Street.

"There is the chance that there might be money available from the police or from East Hampshire District Council, but we will have to look into this.

"The latest camera has been wonderful for the police. It would be great if they could get coverage over the rest of the town."

He added: "I am a supporter of CCTV. You only have to look at the images published of the bomb blast in London.

"The images of the man walking away were not that clear on this occasion but at least the police know exactly where he went. The cameras tracked him for miles.

"Hopefully this plan to install two more cameras for Petersfield will come to fruition. If we can help the police in their fight against crime then we should."

Acting inspector at Petersfield, Geoff Broome, believes CCTV is an important tool and said extra cameras would help police keep an eye on the town.

He said: "This is something that we proposed a few months ago when the High Street camera was unveiled.

"Covering Chapel and Lavant Streets would be a benefit to us because it is a busy route from the railway station."

Insp Broome said Petersfield's camera in the High Street has been extremely helpful in collecting evidence.

"It has been very successful since it was installed earlier this year. A few hours after we switched it on it caught a huge public order offence.

"CCTV coverage is something that is increasing in towns across the country. It is an important tool for us and acts as an excellent deterrent."

Mr Jenner added: "We already have a camera looking at the High Street, in Rams Walk and over the main car park. It would be nice to have other areas of the town covered as well.

"The only people who have problems with CCTV are those who are getting up to no good. Everyone else should have nothing to hide."

Members of Petersfield Town Council decided to consider the plans in their budget considerations later this year.