DRIVERS are to be given greater protection in the fight against crime - with more CCTV cameras in car parks in Northwich.

Car parks across the town are to be fitted with cameras as they move a step closer to achieving Police Secured Car Park Scheme status.

Home Office funding of £200,000 will allow Vale Royal Borough Council to complete the second phase of cameras at 11 car parks and other town centre areas in Northwich.

The town recently had nine sets of CCTV cameras fitted including in Witton Street, Weaver Way, near McDonald's, Crown Street and at Town Square.

Borough council town manager Dave Billington said: "We are looking towards Secured Car Park Status - but we have to consider conservation areas which won't allow for tall fences and barbed wire which can be requirements.

"There is also the Northwich Vision to be considered so any extensive development in car park security might not be wise if we have to re-allocate car parks with new improvements to the town as a whole.

"But for now, new cameras will help reduce car crime, including cruises and joy-riders, and will offer peace of mind to many drivers."

It is hoped the cameras will be installed by the end of January at car parks.

These will include car parks at the Memorial Hall, Sainsbury's, Leicester Street, Tabley Street, Waterways, the Regal Cinema, B & Q, Cumberland car park, and Handy Jack's car park.