Furious residents have been left reeling after Bath councillors voted to delay the installation of four closed-circuit television cameras in the city centre.

City centre resident Dr Sarah Webb has arranged a public meeting at the Pump Room tonight, to launch a residents' association.

The areas that will not receive the promised coverage include North Parade, Grand Parade, James Street West and the abbey.

Dr Webb said the Abbey Residents' Association will put pressure on the Bath and North East Somerset Council resources committee to reverse the October decision.

She said: "We will be lobbying the committee which decides where money is spent in Bath.

"The decision by the council not to put up the cameras in a way devalues the money already spent on CCTV in the city. They might as well spend the last little bit."

Dr Webb, who lives near the abbey, states that cameras are essential following the severe assault on a man in the area, which took place in a camera blind spot.

She said: "We used to ignore the noises outside, but when Shane Chard was severely beaten we felt terrible."

Mr Chard was attacked in February this year and was said to be in a critical condition in Frenchay hospital following his ordeal.

Dr Webb claims that alcohol-fuelled violence has increased in the city centre by 17 per cent, and hits out at the committee members who opted against further cameras.

She said: "The councillors don't live here. It is not them lying awake at night, worrying about being woken up."

Odd Down Liberal Democrat councillor Nigel Roberts, who is a member of the resources committee, defended the decision.

He said: "I understand their concerns and I am not happy with people urinating through town centre letter boxes but I wonder if the money could be spent more wisely."

Cllr Roberts said the Community Safety Partnership, which comprises the probation service, Bath and North East Somerset Council and voluntary bodies, is researching the problem.

Cllr Roberts said that CCTV has reduced crime levels in Bath, but pointed to the example set by Liverpool in tackling crime, which included contracting in extra police officers.

He said: "In Liverpool the council paid for 30 police officers. We have made contact with the police and are questioning if there is a better way to spend the money.

"Once the money is spent, it is spent. Once cameras are in, they won't come out, and they cost tens of thousands of pounds."

The Abbey Residents' Association is meeting tonight at the Pump Room, from 6pm. For further details contact Dr Webb on (01225) 462548.