The Dorset Echo's reader poll on whether Dorchester should instal closed circuit TV cameras has produced an overwhelming YES.

Hundreds voted in favour of crime cameras for the town centre, compared with just 16 against.

Supporters today hailed the overwhelming verdict as a huge boost to their campaign to win a closed circuit television network for Dorchester.

Mayor Wally Gundry, chairman of the town's crime prevention panel, said: "I am delighted.

"It is a great result and certain to be highlighted when we next come to putting a bid in for CCTV."

He added: "The community has shown that it wants CCTV.

"Now is the time for people to put aside their personal views and go towards getting the cameras for the town."

A total of 664 people voted in response to the Dorset Echo's reader poll - 648 were in favour and 16 against.

Readers submitted 149 votes for and 11 against CCTV cameras on the Echo's This is Dorset website, while 499 posted or dropped in Yes votes to the Echo's Dorchester office in Antelope Walk.

The demonstration of local feeling comes after a series of ram raids and robberies in the town, including attacks on Marks and Spencer, Goulds and Martins newsagent.

Insp Andy Mason, head of Dorchester Police, said: "I'm very pleased that lots of people have taken the time to make to make their feelings known on this very emotive subject."

"It should be pointed out that we are aware that CCTV is not a panacea for all our problems. Crime will not stop, but CCTV would be a very useful weapon in our armoury."

He added: "It's not just to do with crime, it would also affect public well-being, in that if people know there is CCTV in the area, they will feel a lot safer and more at ease."

But Coun Tim Harries, who has campaigned against CCTV, claimed the result had failed to change his mind and that it had not answered all questions about CCTV.

He said: "I still have a deep-seated concern about having cameras and about how much it would cost. I am in the minority, but I am interested in what other people think and their views.

"I'm sure the results will affect how we proceed from here, but it is important that we sit down and discuss it properly. We all have a right to our own views."

Now Insp Andy Mason and campaigners hope to use the poll results to convince Government figures to give Dorchester money to set up CCTV in Dorchester in the next funding round.