Praise lavished on crime fighting measures across Leeds has been criticised by a Horsforth councillor.

Brian Cleasby (Lib Dem, Horsforth) has told of his disgust at Leeds City Council for promoting the success of its closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) when Horsforth has been waiting for months for its final camera.

Leeds City Council has said that since the LeedsWatch Local CCTV system was expanded across the city, it has helped people with more than 100 arrests.

But Coun Cleasby has said that the council should not issue proactive news when the job in Horsforth has not been finished.

He said: "I heard about the news praising the CCTV for reducing crime and it made me livid.

"We have been waiting for a sixth camera, funded by Horsforth CIT, to be installed but because of silly problems we are losing out.

"I think it is disgraceful that news like this is released when Horsforth has been waiting for months.

"We have been told that IUS, the installers for Npower, haven't had time to do the job.

"This is absolutely appalling because that camera has an important job to do.

"The camera would be situated on New Road Side and could prevent crime and injury.

"We sat down specifically with the police to talk about the position of this camera and we agreed it was a very important camera.

"It is supposed to face the ring road and it will be vital because criminals fleeing from Guiseley and Yeadon are likely to use the Ring Road and so of course the camera would pick them up."

But Leeds City Council is proud of the CCTV and the success the police has had.

They have been able to apprehend people in connection with a series of suspected offences from assault to criminal damage to burglary, possession of drugs and rowdy behaviour.

Two 24-hour monitoring stations covering all of Leeds, have been up and running since Christmas and 44 cameras are in place.

LeedsWatch Local CCTV was established by Leeds City Council as part of the Leeds Community Safety Partnership's Strategy.

It is aimed at the prevention and reduction of crime and disorder in town and area centres.

Cameras have been located in Wetherby, Morley, Headingley, Horsforth, Armley, Harehills, Rothwell and the Westland Industrial Estate in South Leeds.

Councillor Richard Lewis (Lab, Pudsey South), who co-chairs the Leeds Community Safety Partnership, said: "We are totally committed to doing our utmost to undermine opportunities for criminals.

"Anyone intending to break the law in Leeds should think twice about getting caught on camera by police.

"We hope that people will be reassured by the presence of the CCTV cameras and that they will contribute to making the city a safer place."

The cameras and monitoring stations are funded mainly by £869,000 of Home Office cash, with Leeds City Council committing £483,000 a year for the running costs.

Horsforth Town Council and Horsforth CIT each funded one camera completely, paying both capital and revenue costs.