SURVEILLANCE cameras which will target York fly-tippers, graffiti vandals and fly-posters are to be unveiled in the first scheme of its kind in the city.

"Hotspot" areas of the city, including ones near railway lines, will now be protected with covert recording equipment thanks to a £5,000 Network Rail grant to City of York Council's York Pride campaign.

Their aim will be to catch prolific offenders in the act and cut down on levels of criminal damage within York.

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for environment and sustainability, said the camera scheme was the first of its kind in York.

"Clearing up graffiti is not cheap, but we will not give up the battle. This is a system which has been used to great effect elsewhere in Britain. We feel cameras will act as a deterrent to persistent offenders in York. Thanks to Network Rail, together with York Business Pride, there is a concerted effort to stamp out this vandalism in our city," he said.

The scheme comes after Central Trains reported a reduction in graffiti on its trains since piloting the CCTV camera-initiative in January.

Graham Botham, London North East director for Network Rail, said: "It is vital that York is seen as an attractive gateway, since it is an important rail destination for both business and leisure passengers.

"By working together with the council, we can achieve much more in order to create a cleaner, safer city."

Coun Waller said the first movable surveillance cameras would be installed within the two months.

Complaints to the York Pride hotline would be used to identify particular problem "hotspots", he said, which would then determine where the covert cameras were positioned.

"In tackling these and other such problems, the council is working in close conjunction with the police and youth organisations, as part of the Safer York Partnership," said Coun Waller.

Safer York Partnership was set up in York in 1998. Funded through donations from the council and North Yorkshire Police, the partnership's aim is to encourage organisations and individuals to work together to reduce crime and the fear of crime in the York community.

To report fly-tipping, litter or graffiti problems in a York street, call the York Pride Action Line on 01904 551551.

Updated: 09:49 Saturday, October 30, 2004