Criminals in Brighouse have nowhere to hide after the switch-on of the town's long-awaited CCTV camera system it has been claimed.

The eight cameras cover the central shopping areas and main routes into and out of the town and were up and running in time for Christmas.

And they are already reaping rewards. "They have been very successful so far," said Brighouse councillor Colin Stout.

"Around Christmas and New Year there was fighting and bottle throwing in Thornton Square and some of the culprits were caught on CCTV."

Pub licencees have also reported a noticeable drop in trouble since the switch-on.

The state-of-the-art cameras have been placed in positions so that they maximise the opportunity of detecting crimes.

The system will link with the town's Shop Watch scheme and cameras covering Huddersfield Road will also be linked to the Leeds traffic control centre in an attempt to help reduce congestion.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition equipment could be added in the future to alert the police to vehicles which have been involved in crime.

Coun Stout said: "The cameras are another plate in our armour to combat anti-social behaviour and anti-social drinking. We hope that their presence will reassure local residents, shoppers, businesses and those people who want to have a safe-trouble free night out in the town.

"We want to leave the criminals with nowhere to hide and these new CCTV cameras will help towards that aim."

Rastrick councillor Paul Rogan praised the scheme. He said: "The CCTV system is finally here and, as we know, CCTV systems have helped reduce crime in other towns and cities. These new cameras will not only deter acts of antisocial behaviour and crime but will also help catch those who are committing offences.

"It is a good building block in the regeneration of Brighouse.

"In a way, I am looking forward to the first prosecution resulting from the installation of this system, because that will demonstrate that it has the sharp teeth that we intend it to have."

Brighouse Neighbourhood Policing Team backed the move.

Sergeant Andy Wilkinson said: "We have been working with Calderdale Council and other partners for some time now towards introducing CCTV to the streets of Brighouse.

"I see this as a very positive move towards making Brighouse town centre a safer place both for people to shop in and to visit for leisure purposes.

"The cameras will act as a deterrent to thieves and those who indulge in late night violence, while providing evidence which can be used to identify lawbreakers and support prosecutions at a later date."

The new CCTV system cost £172,000 and was funded by Calderdale Council.