A POLICE chief has offered his support to Yeadon traders in their bid to get security cameras installed in the centre of Yeadon.

Superintendent George Robinson, head of Weetwood Police Division, told a meeting of the Aireborough, Horsforth and Otley Police Community Forum at Rawdon on Monday that he was in favour of closed circuit television as a means to fighting crime.

Margaret Atkinson, of Guiseley, vice-chairman of the forum said she wanted CCTV in Yeadon and was pleased traders had now got support from the police.

Melvin Wray, who runs an outfitter's business in Town Street (The Steep), Yeadon, said CCTV and patrolling police officers would help combat crime in the town. He said despite meetings with local councillors very little progress had been made.

"There is vandalism in the town and a chemist was broken into at the weekend," he said. "We pay a lot of rates and taxes in this area so why can't we have CCTV," he added.

Graham Latty, of Rawdon, backed Mr Wray in his quest for security cameras.

Supt Robinson pointed out that extra police were patrolling the streets in cars and on foot in an effort to combat crime.

The chairman, Coun Christine Brett, commented: "CCTV is welcome but it is not just the cost of installing it. There are running costs to consider."

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