Plans are in the pipeline to roll out CCTV cameras across South Lakeland.

Parish and town councils are being asked to compete for funds made available by Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall.

South Lakeland District Council has also pledged to chip in funds to help share the costs and get more CCTV cameras in place across the area.

Council leader Giles Archibald said South Lakeland could get up to six cameras, but there could be more.

Coun Archibald, the Liberal Democrat for Kendal Town, said: “Because of the importance of security to economic prosperity and the wellbeing of residents, I am proposing to make a fund available to part-fund CCTV cameras in conjunction with parish and town councils and the police and crime commissioner.

“We want parish and town councils in South Lakeland to utilise as many slots as possible.”

Coun David Webster, who represents Ulverston East for Labour, said Ulverston Town Council had been in discussion for some time with police about CCTV.

He said: “The discussions are ongoing. We have spoken to the police and crime commissioner and he has been down to see us for a meeting and is looking at putting 50 per cent of the cost in.

He added: “If the district council is also putting money into this scheme, we will also be applying for funding from that as well,” said Coun Webster, the deputy mayor of Ulverston.

Increased CCTV coverage can give assurance about safety and help address anti-social behaviour and crime, said the police and crime commissioner.

Mr McCall said: “The benefits of these extra cameras to the constabulary and the general public are clear.

“The cameras act as a huge deterrent to criminals and having greater CCTV coverage to assist in the prevention and detection of crime can only be a good thing.  Many local councils have asked for additional cameras which is why we are working in partnership with them to achieve this.”