A COUNCIL has asked for more information before deciding whether to fund closed-circuit television in a village.

Whalley Chamber of Trade has asked Ribble Valley Council for a contribution towards the £20,000 cost of installing CCTV in the village centre.

The recently-published Ribble Valley Crime Audit highlighted a growing crime problem in Whalley.

There have been two armed robberies, a rise in house burglaries and thefts from shops.

Chamber spokesman Paul Winckley said: "We have been discussing the installation of closed-circuit television in the village and have been advised that, as cities and towns install or improve their systems, unprotected villages could be at risk. We feel every business in Whalley would benefit from the scheme."

Ribble Valley Council finance director Marshal Scott told policy and finance committee members the cash could come from estimated savings in this year's budget or from a £75,000 contingency fund in next year's budget.

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