Funding of £30,000 has been secured to install the initial cameras and base station – with the cameras being placed at strategic locations to provide a broad coverage.

A wireless system will be linked into the provisions to operate the cameras from a central and mobile base – enabling the equipment to be targeted on specific areas.

And this week the move has been welcomed by community leaders and shopkeepers as a major step forward.

Coun Brian Murray-Carr, Bolsover District Council's cabinet member for community safety, says he is delighted the scheme has been given the green light.

"It will not only act as a major deterrent in our fight against crime but also act as our eyes and ears in the local community using the very latest in technology," he said.

"We are also approaching local businesses with a view to contributing to the scheme and its further development, as this will help us provide a more comprehensive scheme for Shirebrook."

And a Shirebrook businessman, who asked not to be named, believes the added security measures will make residents feel more comfortable in the town centre.

He told Chad: "Some of my older customers do not go shopping after 3pm because of the young people around Market Place –– especially on dark winter nights.

"I think there is a gang culture in Shirebrook, walking through the streets at night is intimidating with yobs shouting and swearing when you walk past.

"Hopefully the cameras will deter young people from engaging in this type of activity and make residents happier and more confident to walk around the town.

"I want to go to work in the knowledge that I can do so in a safe environment."

Sophisticated

And a second shopkeeper, who did not want to be named, agrees the scheme will have a positive impact on the town.

"It sounds like a very sophisticated system and hopefully it will detect who the problem people are in the area," said the shopkeeper.

"Afternoon trading has definitely dropped off in recent years and it is intimidating when kids are riding around on bikes and kicking footballs at the shop shutters.

"My only concern would be if the kids start moving to areas where there isn't CCTV and create the same problems.

"But I'll feel more confident now. If I was attacked I now know there is some sort of back-up to find out who did it."

For further information contact Bolsover District Council on 01246 242589 or email enquiries@bolsover.gov.uk