Traders in part of York want eye-in-the-sky security cameras to zoom in on crime and protect their businesses.

The owners of businesses in Fossgate are concerned at what they see as an increase in break-ins and vandalism in their street.

Andrea Lewandowski, who owns Signatures of York with her husband Michael, is at the forefront of the drive for closed-circuit television cameras.

On Monday morning this week she was called out after an attempted break-in.

She said: "This is the first time anything like this has happened, but once is enough.

"The city centre is covered by CCTV and it's about time that Fossgate was brought into the fold.

"Cameras would not only help to catch crooks but they would deter them as well. We have seen the success cameras have had in other areas."

Mrs Lewandowski is writing to her ward councillors, Janet Looker and Brian Watson, asking them to meet her and other traders to discuss the way ahead.

Eileen Worrall, landlady at the Blue Bell Inn in Fossgate, is among those backing the call for CCTV.

On Christmas morning she woke to find vandals had smashed a 200-year-old window at the pub which cost £1,700 to replace.

She said: "I have lived down here for five years and I think it is getting worse. It's about time we were protected by CCTV cameras."She added that traders were set to form an association and hoped to meet councillors soon.

York currently has 41 cameras - nine covering car parks and 32 covering the city centre.

The system, which is managed by City of York Council and monitored by police, is seen as a major tool in the city's anti-crime armoury.

Peter Evely, head of highway regulation at the council, said: "We are always happy to hear from traders and to assist them in getting CCTV."

But, he added, money for the initial outlay and ongoing maintenance would need to come from traders with possible cash backing from the Home Office's Safer Cities scheme.

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire councils have been invited to bid for a share of £50 million for CCTV schemes.

Ministers recently announced £153 million for closed-circuit television projects to fight crime and support regeneration of troubled housing estates.

Councils are being invited to apply for the first £50 million.

The cash is for CCTV schemes in town and city centres, residential areas, car parks and other crime hotspots, as well as to improve existing networks.

Home Secretary Jack Straw said: "I want to ensure that CCTV is put to the best possible use in the fight against crime."

Bids have to be submitted jointly by the police and local authority partnership.

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