COUNCILLORS have agreed to consider topping up car park charges to help fund CCTV cameras in Dorchester.

At a meeting of West Dorset District Council's environment overview and scrutiny committee members decided the new funding proposals should be considered.

Charges in the council's short stay car parks would be increased by 10p to help pay for the installation and running costs of the cameras if the plans go ahead.

They are also asking Dorchester Town Council to increase its contribution to the £290,000 scheme.

A report revealed that if CCTV is introduced in Dorchester it is expected to reduce anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, violent crime and vehicle crime.

The only members who disagreed with the proposals were councillors Stella Jones and Tim Harries, who are also on the town Council.

Coun Harries said: "I am personally against the proposals, but the town council has always been in favour of CCTV."

Coun Jones said: "You need more street lighting and police officers on the beat.

"All CCTV does is reduce the fear of crime and help catch a few criminals.

"Most of the crime committed in Dorchester happens on a Friday or Saturday night when people are drunk, and alcoholics are not even aware of CCTV cameras."

The scheme would be funded through a joint initiative between the county, town and district councils, the crime and disorder reduction partnership, Home Office Vehicle Crime Initiative and the Home Office Innovation and Excellence Programme. The district council is being asked to provide £80,000 for the installation of the cameras as well as on-going running costs.

As the district council has not allocated money for the scheme, the extra 10p would be added to the cost of short-stay parking, in addition to increases already approved over the next three years.