A revamped CCTV system has been switched on at North Walsham to help clamp down on town centre crime.

Eastern Daily Press: Councillors, police and guests mark the launch of the revamped CCTV system in North Walsham - pictured in a shot taken by one of the cameras. Picture: RICHARD BATSONCouncillors, police and guests mark the launch of the revamped CCTV system in North Walsham - pictured in a shot taken by one of the cameras. Picture: RICHARD BATSON (Image: Archant)

Improved HD cameras are scanning the streets to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and help find missing people.

The system, also being used at Sheringham and Fakenham, replaces the North Norfolk-wide coverage switched off in March to save the district council £200,000 a year.

North Walsham is one of a trio of towns to revive the camera coverage in town council-run schemes costing each community £8,000 a year.

Insp Kersty Brooks, welcoming the new system, said: 'The images are HD and much clearer than the old system.

'They can help with prosecutions for damage, monitoring anti-social behaviour and to look for missing persons.'

The town's deputy mayor, Brenda West, said: 'CCTV makes people feel a lot more secure. We have a lovely town with not many problems but this will benefit everyone walking the streets.'

Former Sheringham mayor Doug Smith said the towns had ended up with a better system, and at North Walsham the cost of the new cameras in the annual town council tax element was less than the price of half a pint of beer.

Police are seeking volunteers to help monitor the CCTV, particularly in the evenings. Contact Insp Brooks via the police non-emergency number 101.