PLANS to secure a CCTV system for Sidmouth are well underway and the WATCH campaign working party is confident a system will be affordable.

PLANS to secure a CCTV system for Sidmouth are well underway and the WATCH campaign working party is confident a system will be affordable.Since the campaign was launched, more than £29,000 has been contributed towards purchasing a CCTV system, which would cover the town centre. A target of around £60-£80,000 has been discussed, but Chris Taylor, chairman of Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, believes the campaign will succeed.Mr Taylor said: "It's going to prove, depending on eight to 10 cameras, to be about £60-£80,000 for the whole system of cameras. We've got enough to start off with four to six cameras and, if needs be, we will be able to build on that, but it will give us a good grounding."Whatever system we have, we will be able to build on it. We don't know exactly where the cameras will go yet, as we'll need to speak to the police and Sidmouth Town Council. I'm still hopeful that we will get the full amount. We could go for a cheaper system, but I think that would be a mistake."With Christmas just gone, a lot of people's finances are tied at the moment and, as I've said before, until it is decided what system we want and how much it will cost, a lot of businesses are holding back."Potential camera sites were identified in November and would include Fields or Monday's Child in Market Place, Sidmouth Museum, All Things Bright and Beautiful, Pure Indulgence, Harrison Lavers and Potburys, the Radway Cinema and the Gearbox.Anyone who wishes to contribute to the campaign should send a cheque, payable to Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, to: WATCH Campaign, Sidmouth Herald, 106 High Street, Sidmouth, EX10 8EF.