HASLEMERE residents will not be consulted on plans for a CCTV system which have been supported by the town council.
At last week's meeting of the town council there opinion was divided on the need for a further public consultation.
Mayor Michael Barnes used his casting vote to decide that it was not necessary to hold a public meeting to discuss the proposal to spend £14,000 of taxpayers' money on a mobile CCTV unit.
In a public consultation exercise four years ago, the council found that 85 per cent of the people agreed in principle to installing CCTV in Haslemere.
It was thought that this was adequate grounds for this year's proposal to move forward.
Last week, deputy mayor Stephen Mulliner told The Herald that although he supported the proposal for CCTV, he believed a full public meeting should be held.
He was unable to attend the meeting last week but has since said he feels it is "unfortunate" the public have not had a chance to have their say on the proposal.
"I have great fear of the town council appearing arrogant or out of touch with the public. Although the majority of people may well be in favour of CCTV, I do think consideration should have been given to hear all of the views - including those of any minority."
He added that he was concerned that public opinion could have changed in the four years since the last consultation.
Former mayor Fay Foster, who voted in favour of holding a public meeting, said: "I think we should invite the public to see how just how fantastic CCTV can be.
"Most of us have had the chance to see a presentation about the great benefits it brings; the public should also be able to hear about these benefits."
A proposal was made by Mark Lelliott to hold a question-and-answer session where members of the public could find out more about closed circuit television and its uses. This was seconded by Mrs Foster and agreed by the council.
It was decided that a working group should be set up to deal with the CCTV proposal.
This group will be co-ordinated by chairman of the Haslemere Chamber of Commerce Melanie O'Dell.
The group will also include two members of Haslemere town council, Waverley crime prevention officer Pc John Robini and representatives of other Haslemere businesses and organisations.
An in-depth public meeting, with question-and-answer session, will now be organised by the group to keep residents of Haslemere informed.
Jacquie Keen will be one of the council representatives on the working group.
She said at the meeting: "CCTV not only helps to solve crimes, it also improves the quality of life of residents by reducing the fear of crime.
"I do not believe we need a full public consultation as 85 per cent of the people of Haslemere have already said they are in support of our plans."