The next stage in the process of getting CCTV cameras in a Norfolk town could be completed next week with the formation of a new company to run the system.

The South Norfolk Community Safety Partnership has called a meeting at The Waterfront Inn in Diss with traders in the town to set up a Community Interest Company (CIC) to oversee the potential installation of cameras in the Market Place and Mere's Mouth to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

So far, 14 businesses in the town have expressed an interest in the cameras after the partnership delivered leaflets around the town centre asking traders if they would be prepared to contribute �10 a month towards the running cost of a CCTV system and if they would be interested in joining a CIC.

The leaflet stated a CCTV system would reduce crime by deterring criminals, reduce the fear of crime to shop staff and members of the public in the town centre, create a secure trading environment, increase police detection rates by identifying offenders and give visitors and residents increased confidence about visiting the town centre, which would raise the numbers coming in.

A Norfolk police report suggests installing CCTV could reduce the number of crimes from 351 to 261 per year, while saving the police �56,254.

The meeting is set to be held on Wednesday, starting at 5.30pm.