CRIME cameras in Ryedale could be jeopardised by a lack of support from local businesses.

The cost of running the CCTV cameras, which this year is estimated at £22,000, is met partly by contributions from the town councils of Malton, Norton and Pickering, and partly by donations from local businesses.

Other bodies such as the Crime Reduction Panel also contribute.

Now, Ryedale Cameras In Action says support from businesses is falling and running costs for the scheme are set to rise to about £25,000 next year.

"Businesses were very good with contributing to the capital costs when we set up the scheme," said Janice Campbell, of Ryedale Cameras In Action.

"But they don't like the idea of having to cough up every year to meet the running costs."

"Next year could be a problem unless we get the businesses supporting us."

Janice Campbell said the cameras had been responsible for a 40 per cent drop in crime in Malton, Norton and Pickering since their introduction.

She said the management committee for the cameras had raised £11,000 of this year's costs so far, but was still almost £11,000 short of its target.

Norton Town Council will be asked to release the money it has allocated to the scheme when it meets on Monday.

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