PREPARATION work has begun ahead of the installation of CCTV cameras in Ilkley.

Bradford Council’s executive approved an investment of £100,000 to put CCTV in Ilkley town centre earlier this year.

The Ilkley CCTV scheme includes ten high-definition CCTV cameras located within the town centre providing coverage of the key streets and venues.

The council believes the investment will help bring a reduction in crime, improve evidence for prosecuting offenders and provide assurance to visitors and residents.

The new network could also assist the council in managing events, traffic and emergencies.

A Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “BT are doing some preparation work for the CCTV data lines. We have yet to agree the locations of the cameras. Proposed locations will be announced in due course.”

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth (Ind, Ilkley), who is pictured here at Mill Ghyll where the work is taking place, said: "For a long time Ilkley has been the only town in the Bradford district without CCTV. There was a petition several years ago which was knocked back.

"Quite clearly we have an influx a certain times and CCTV is now certainly a necessity."