REVAMPS are in the pipeline for Warrington's crimebusting spy cameras - and possible extensions to the system have not been ruled out.

Police and borough council bosses are set to put together bids for new closed circuit technology following the continued success of the five-year-old town centre cameras.

And with the creation of the town's new Cultural Quarter on the horizon, the Palmyra Square area looks favourite to benefit if a fresh cash injection is forthcoming.

Public entertainment in the planned pedestrianised precinct there is a key element to the success of the arts initiative - and cameras are seen as a way of ensuring people can perform in safety.

New security schemes in outlying villages and shopping malls have not been ruled out either.

Deputy council leader Mike Hannon said: "There are going to be outdoor entertainment displays in the area, with large gatherings of people, and this extension of the camera network would give people peace of mind."

People had now progressed beyond fears about a "big brother" influence and realised the merits of the current cameras in beating crime and maintaining public order, added Clr Hannon.

The Government has announced that £150 million is on offer for camera projects nationwide and town leaders will be looking towards that windfall for financial backing.

Det Sgt Dave Betts, of Warrington Police's crime prevention department, believed the most important aim of any approach must be to purchase more hi-tech cameras.

He said: "It has been an exceptional system in reducing crime year on year. However, the technology now needs to be updated and upgraded."

The potential for introducing similar schemes around the borough was "endless", according to DS Betts, providing that funding was available.

"This is quite an exciting opportunity - the public has been very supportive of the present system and it has now become part of our daily lives."

Firm plans are expected to be discussed between police and Town Hall chiefs in the coming weeks. Today's cameras were installed in 1994 with assistance from the Home Office.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.