The first phase of CCTV coverage in Harleston has been given the go ahead at a council meeting, though uncertainty shrouds whether the scheme will be extended.

Harleston Town Council agreed to pay nearly £6,000 to install two cameras on the town's recreation ground, though a future extension of the coverage to include other parts of the town centre could depend on whether South Norfolk Council can secure grant funding.

The council's chairman Barry Woods said the cameras would be installed on the recreation centre, with one to cover the side of the building and the other to cover the rest of the recreation ground.

However, future funding for the extra coverage would have to come from the district council and Mr Woods said if South Norfolk Council was unsuccessful, then grant money would have to be sought from elsewhere.

'If we don't get a grant from where we are seeking funding, then it would seem we would have to get a grant from somewhere else,' Mr Woods added.

The plans are for a CCTV and wi-fi network for the town centre, which would be similar to a joint scheme for Diss and Wymondham and would be linked to a wireless network that would also be open to the public, who would be able to benefit from access to free wi-fi.

The £20,000 system is being part funded by the town council, though additional financial help is also being sought and businesses could also be able to advertise on the network.

Town clerk Margot Harbour said there had been some instances of vandalism on the recreation ground, which the cameras could help to deter.

Do CCTV cameras make a difference in the fight against crime? Email dma.letters@archant.co.uk.