Somerset's CCTV network is saved from cuts

The council's CCTV control room monitors 11 cities and towns in Somerset from its base in Bridgwater

Somerset Council says its CCTV service is "safe" next year after several town and parish councils stepped forward to fund their areas.

The local authority said in January it could no longer afford to run the cameras.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts from Somerset Council said: "she's really glad" the service has been protected.

But she said if some councils don't contribute, their cameras could be switch off.

Liberal Democrat councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, the leader member for Communities for Somerset Council, said she approached parish, town and city councils to ask if they would be prepared to contribute financially.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, the Lead for Communities on Somerset Council said: "she's really glad" the CCTV service is safe for next year

She said the response has been positive and "conversations are so far down the line now" that she's confident enough to say the CCTV service is "saved" for next year.

Somerset Council said last month that it could no longer afford to run the cameras because it needed to make savings of £100m to avoid going bust.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts said: "It was a really difficult decision. I know and value the CCTV service."

But she added it wasn't a statutory service so couldn't be protected.

The amount each town or parish council is being asked to pay is dependent on how many cameras are in their area.

The Leader of Taunton Town Council, Tom Deakin, said his council is stomping up the cash to pay for CCTV because it is a "vital service" that residents wanted to protect

Cllr Tom Deakin, the Liberal Democrat Leader of Taunton Town Council, said his council is making a financial contribution because residents "were really worried about the loss of these vital services" and he "didn't want to see them fail".

His council has formally agreed the funds.

Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Council said it already makes an annual contribution of £15,000 and will continue to do so next year.

Other town and parish councils say they've not met yet to decide what to do.

Cllr Smith-Roberts admitted that if council don't contribute financially they could have their CCTV cameras switched off.

She said: "We want to work with them to understand why they wouldn't want to fund it."

Those councils that have chosen to make the new financial commitment are raising the funds by increasing council tax.

If you live in a Band D property in Taunton for instance, the amount you'll pay the town council is almost trebling next year, from around £100 to £300.