CCTV in Abergavenny has been hailed a success by residents, businesses and councillors.

Latest statistics show that, thanks to CCTV cameras in the town, images have helped police on some 50 occasions.

Problem car racers in Fairfield car park have been almost eradicated and vandals and criminals have been caught red handed.

Paul Wadsworth, town councillor and CCTV coordinator told members at the latest meeting, "Progress is good, the CCTV is working and the tests they carried out in Fairfield have provided very successful statistics. Residents nearby the car park and myself, have noticed a vast improvement. The CCTV system is proving to be very effective."

Councillor Wadsworth said a man was caught on camera buying alcohol for minors and on two consecutive weekends leading up to Christmas the CCTV monitoring resulted in police being called to Red Square and the arrest of the youths turning over the planters. As a councillor and local businessman it's good to see that the CCTV is working and a testament to Chris Norman from MCC, the police and the Town Council who work together."

The system has been so effective there are plans to add to the six fixed point cameras and two mobile ones.

"It's had such a great impact with the disturbance and behaviour problems in Fairfield which was driving residents up the wall," added councillor Wadsworth.

Chris Norman, CCTV development officer at Monmouthshire County Council said between October and December the CCTV in Abergavenny and Chepstow and Caldicot have provided more than 50 images to the police, linking to investigations.

Mr Norman said, "We are rally pleased with the CCTV from our perspective. We are also very happy that we have a working relationship with the police and the Town Council. The police are grateful for the results for Abergavenny.

"We are now working closely with Abergavenny Town Council to develop the scheme, we are hoping to increase the two mobile cameras to four. We are also looking at developing 'hotspot' areas in Frogmore Street and Cross Street this year. What we have seen so far is very encouraging, we have increased identifications and evidence for police to use in investigations. We are going in the right direction but there is a lot more that needs to be done."

Mayor of Abergavenny, councillor John Prosser said, "The Town Council have been asking for detailed statistics for several years and it is pleasing that a comprehensive feedback is now available.

"The good results demonstrate that the CCTV system does have an impact and we hope it will continue to do so, and hopefully with the cooperation of all the people and services involved we can make our Town Centre a safer place for all."