RYEDALE Cameras in Action (RCIA) has welcomed the decision by the district council to provide funding towards updating the CCTV system for Malton, Norton and Pickering.

Members of Ryedale District Council (RDC) agreed to award £22,000 to the scheme to bring improved “dome style” cameras to the three towns, which will be monitored 24/7 by Scarborough Borough Council.

Councillor Ives, chairman of Ryedale council’s policy and resources committee, which recommended the financial support, said: “The volunteers that run and manage the CCTV cameras have created a true partnership approach to funding the upgrade.

“Support from business groups, town councils and the district council has been gained and has ensured that Ryedale towns will have improved coverage.”

The new system is designed to accommodate additional cameras, so other locations or towns can be added over time.

RCIA is a registered charity that has provided a CCTV system for more than 20 years in Malton, Norton and Pickering.

The Pickering element was withdrawn due to lack of funding, but the new system now proposed will extend back into the town due to funding raised from the Pickering in Business group.

Norton and Malton town councils have offered funding towards the capital and revenue costs.

The total cost of the new scheme is expected to be in the region of £40,000 with running costs of about £15,000 each year.

Martin Dales, chairman and founder member of RCIA, said: “The news that RDC members have decided to help with the costs of the replacement CCTV system is welcome news.

“It comes at a time when RCIA is seeking to gather together contributions from many different groups, councils and businesses to ensure that the CCTV system helps provide a safe environment for residents, their families, businesses and visitors alike.

“The current system has lasted 20 years in all weathers and the charity has spent much of the last few years researching to provide the best future-proof replacement.

“There is also the added advantage that monitoring of the system will move from Malton Police Station to Scarborough Borough Council’s CCTV facility where it will be monitored on a 24/7 basis, thus helping to keep crime down in the three markets towns.”

Anyone interested in supporting RCIA with funds, which can be gift-aided, should email Martin Dales at mpd@martindales.me.uk or phone 07764 985009.