CCTV cameras will start being installed in Westbury from next month after the town won government funding for the project in August.

Planning permission has been granted to set up five cameras in the town centre and a further four on the West Wilts Trading Estate.

The cameras will be connected by a BT fibre optic link to the control room in Warminster, which is currently manned by a general manager and a number of volunteers.

Westbury Town Clerk, Les Fry said the installation of the cameras should be completed by mid-September.

He added that volunteers will be required to observe the Westbury cameras.

He said: "We welcome anyone willing to volunteer for the Warminster surveillance room.

"We are asking them to make available a minimum of two hours a week and training will be provided.

"There are no plans for more cameras in other parts of the town at the moment."

Sgt Jim Stannard of Westbury Police said staff at the control room would be working closely with police to help reduce crime.

He said: "Volunteers can directly contact police officers and make us aware of any incidents that may be developing so we can deploy our resources to it.

"We anticipate the cameras are going to have an obvious impact on crime and disorder in the High Street and Market Place."

Westbury Town Council formed a partnership with the police, the county and district councils and successfully bid for a £137,237 grant last year.

Pippa Mcveigh, community safety officer with West Wiltshire District Council, said: "It's only going to be for the good. With CCTV you create a sense of safety, which is as important as an impact on crime itself."

Anyone wishing to volunteer for the Warminster Control Room should contact Les Fry on (01373) 822232.