UP to ten CCTV cameras could cover the streets of Malmesbury in a year's time as town councillors and community groups crack down on crime.

It is hoped the scheme, which is likely to cost around £30,000, could be funded by the district and county councils.

Possible areas where they could be placed include the High Street, Market Cross, Abbey Row, The Triangle and Gloucester Street.

The area around Cross Hayes and Station Yard car park is another option being considered by a working party of the town councillors, police and community groups.

Councillors met WPC Emma Cooper to discuss the plan last Wednesday night.

The working group went on a walking tour to discuss where cameras could be put and how many would be needed.

Deputy Mayor Jacky Martin said two types of CCTV technology are being considered, either wireless broadband technology, or installing cables.

Coun Martin said: "Broadband would be preferable because it involves no digging up of the road but the quality of pictures it provides can be unreliable. If you cannot identify the person, it is no good. We could have a minimum of five cameras or a maximum of ten. We should cover the area where anyone feels concerned or where there is crime. The next step for us now is to go to several companies and get quotations.

"I was pleased with the meeting. My hope is that we can have cameras in by next year. It would be nice to get them in as soon as possible. I think everyone in the town supports us."

Coun Martin said the working group planned to visit police headquarters in Devizes to hear about the pros and cons of CCTV as experienced by other towns.

WPC Cooper said she was very pleased with the progress that had been made.

"It all looks very promising and a scheme could be in place by the end of the year. But there is still a lot of work to do."

She said cameras would probably be put up in two phases.