A TOWN’S CCTV system has been hailed for its role in tackling crime.

The 20 cameras stationed around Oswestry are helping keep people safe and have been used on multiple occasions to bring miscreants to justice.

Councillor Paul Milner, who sits on both Oswestry Town Council and Shropshire Council, said he was proud of the volunteers who run the scheme along with co-ordinator Jim Stafford.

He said: “There is something we can be very proud of in Oswestry and that is  the town’s CCTV system.

“It has been operated by a team of about 20 volunteers and Mr Stafford and supported by Oswestry Town Council.

“It helps people be safe throughout the week. It can be on a busy Friday or Saturday night or a quiet Tuesday morning; there is always someone there on watch.

“It is vital that we have these volunteers in action because otherwise we would be looking through recorded material.

“I want to thank them  so much for their efforts in helping protect people in town and their safety and wellbeing.”

Cllr Milner said he was aware of the system helping to beat crime on another occasion and footage has been used as evidence.

The system was revamped back in 2014 and in 2015 won an award for being project of the year at a national town council awards ceremony.

Last year the system got further funding from West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion.

It received £6,500 to expand coverage to the Castlefields area.

Earlier this month it was revealed that the CCTV volunteers would be assisted by the town’s Street Angels group, who would be issued with radios connected to the control room at the town’s police station.

The Street Angels group assist people out in the town at night who may need care or someone to talk to.

Councillor Milner added: “It is just another thing that we can be proud of in Oswestry that the town council is working its hardest to help provide and support.”