A CCTV camera covering a crime-hit busy shopping district has finally gone live.

Businesses in Whalley Range, Blackburn, have been calling for extra security measures for the past 12 months following a spike in burglaries.

The new camera, in a prime location at the junction of Whalley Range, Victoria Street and Randall Street, was switched on at midday yesterday (thur), much to the welcome of local traders.

Jewellery and designer clothing stores have been targeted in a number of break-ins by criminals either smashing through glass, ripping off shutters or tunnelling through roofs.

It led to talks between police and businessmen, the setting up of a local committee and an agreement on CCTV provision.

Insp Abid Khan said: “We’ve done a lot of work with businesses who are positive about these measures.

“This camera can be deployed in other areas depending on the demand, but the long term view is that the location will have a fixed camera if we can source funding.

“It is located for maximum exposure. These people are coming in and out of the area and will be captured on CCTV.

“We have an investigation ongoing into the burglaries and are hopeful of progressing that inquiry.”

Hussain Akhtar, chairman of the Whalley Range traders committee, said: “It is what we’ve wanted after a lot of meetings.

“We are working together with police and the council and I am glad we have a monthly meeting where we report progress.

“We will have a lot of cameras in the shops if we can pay for them to protect Whalley Range.

“We don’t want to see people having to close down because there are enough closed shops in Blackburn.

“These shopkeepers are working very hard, around the clock, to support their families and be good citizens.

“I’m glad the camera is here, it is a good achievement.”