A NEW public CCTV network could soon be installed in Bovey Tracey after a funding package was put together to cover the £20,000 cost of the scheme.

The town centre has been without a public security camera network for several years, relying instead on cameras operated by local businesses, groups and individuals.

But that could be about to change.

Bovey Tracey Town Council has made a success bid to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for £10,000 towards the cost of a new CCTV system.

Quotes from specialist firms have put the cost of installing seven cameras at £20,100.

They would be positioned along the town centre, covering the area from the whisky distillery through to the bakery at Station Road.

However, with more than £10,000 still needed, town clerk Mark Wells has approached Teignbridge District Council to see whether the shortfall could be met through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is paid by developers.

And the district council has confirmed that CIL funding can be used for the project.

As a result, none of the installation costs are expected to fall on local residents.

The only cost likely to be picked up by Bovey Tracey Town Council will be the ongoing monitoring of the cameras, which is estimated to cost around £2,000 a year.