THE argument about CCTV cameras has long since moved on from whether or not this form of surveillance is a good idea.

Most people now accept, even if some do so reluctantly, that CCTV cameras do more good than harm, especially at a time when concerns about crime and terrorism are on the rise.

Yet a CCTV camera which isn't switched on or isn't being monitored is not a lot of use to anyone. This newspaper has reported in the past on CCTV cameras in York which we discovered were not working - and we came in for much criticism for saying exactly where these redundant cameras were situated.

The reason we printed that important information was to let readers know which corners of York were not as safe as they might have hoped or assumed.

Now the story takes a different turn. We have discovered that for the nine months until May of this year, CCTV cameras in the city centre were not being monitored after 9pm in the week or 1am at the weekends.

While the cameras were running and recording, there was no one present to alert the police to any suspicious activity. And a CCTV system which only gathers possible evidence, rather than acting as a modern look-out post, ready to direct help when needed, is not doing its job properly.

Such a lapse in security put the people of York at risk, and it is imperative that, between them, City of York Council and the police ensure this does not happen again.