WHITWORTH has moved a step closer to becoming one of the first towns in the country to hide CCTV cameras in advertising boards.

The news comes after the Lancashire Local Innovation Fund and Whitworth Town Council pledged to contribute almost £14,000 to the innovative plan.

If the plan comes to fruition, six electronic display panels, called Amberwatch, would be erected around town.

The panels can also be used to advertise local community events, and police and emergency services can use them to pass on messages.

The plan is to put them up from the boundary of Britannia to Healey Corner, to deter criminals by covering key areas such as the new civic hall site, leisure centre, and the town centre.

Anne Brown, cabinet member for resources and performance, says in a report to Lancashire County Council: "The system would support police activity in the town by recording vehicles entering and leaving.

"This information could be invaluable in investigations of incidents in the town.

"The benefit is that no other costs, revenue or capital, would be sought from the county council as advertising revenue from associated electronic displays is expected to cover maintenance costs."

Former Whitworth Mayor and Independent councillor Alan Neal said: "This would be one of the first in the country after it had a successful trial in Sussex.

"We are trying to make the town as safe as possible for the people who live, work and visit."

Paul McConnell, of 247outdoor Ltd, the Newton-le-Willows-based company behind Amberwatch, said "It won't cost taxpayers a penny, and it will provide extra revenue for the town council."

A decision on whether to grant the rest of the funding will be taken on Wednesday.