GRAVESHAM is to get more CCTV cameras in an attempt to make the borough safer and keep crime figures down.

The council is investing £40,000 of its budget and £20,000 from the EU and partners in the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership to purchase two permanent cameras for the areas of Marling Cross and Dering Way.

There will also be a permanent link to the privately-owned St George’s Centre CCTV system enabling the council’s control room to follow incidents or individuals throughout the town.

It is hoped the new equipment will help the council and the police to keep crime low and provide a safer environment free from the fear of crime.

Lead member for public safety Cllr John Cubitt said: “The new equipment will make a significant contribution to keeping the borough safe and free from crime.”

“Most people requested more cameras at the recent council tax consultation where members of the borough’s residents’ panel study the options for spending.”

At present the council has 32 permanent cameras in operation and two mobile ones. It is the possible the council may invest in more mobile cameras in the future.

Taxis in Gravesham have also recently been fitted with in-cab digital CCTV which was also partly funded by council and EU money.