PLANS for a new CCTV system in neighbouring North Yorkshire towns have taken a major step forward.

Ryedale Cameras in Action, a charity set up in the 1990s to support the introduction of CCTV in Malton, Norton and Pickering, wants to replace the current system with the aid of a Home Office grant and support from businesses and residents.

Norton-on-Derwent Town Council has offered up to £15,000 towards the project and Malton Town Council has pledged £29,000.

The total cost of the new scheme is expected to be in the region of £40,000 with running costs of about £15,000 a year.

RCIA chairman Martin Dales said: “This is fantastic news for the communities of Malton and Norton and means we are well on the way to having the funds needed to help make residents, children and young people, visitors and businesses alike feel safer.”

CCTV monitoring is currently carried out at Malton police station, but the plans may see it relocated soon because of fears the station will be sold.

Scarborough Borough Council has a monitoring facility for Scarborough, Filey and Whitby and they will be able to monitor Malton and Norton’s cameras round the clock.

Pickering currently has no cameras but RCIA believes businesses in the town are now in favour of them.