CHIEF constable Della Cannings has confirmed that while officers operate from Malton's current police station, they will continue to monitor CCTV cameras in Malton, Norton and Pickering.

For the next 12 months, the future of the system is assured, with the promise that council officials and North Yorkshire Police will work closely to provide a long-term solution.

Speaking at a CCTV working party meeting last week, Ms Cannings said: "This arrangement will provide an opportunity to review the Force's current CCTV monitoring so that local issues and partnership agreements can be maximeised."

Superintendent David Short and Insp Burnett, who described the system as the hammer in the police's tool box, welcomed the decision as a positive step forward on which to build future monitoring arrangements.

Supt Short said: "The close and effective working relationships between the Police and Ryedale District Council are vital to combat crime and the fear of crime.

"I am very pleased that this agreement has been reached and I am sure that the partnership will continue to go from strength to strength."

Updated: 10:08 Wednesday, February 12, 2003