Small, blue-lit cameras have appeared in the centre of Penryn as the town's CCTV system moves a step closer to completion.

The cameras, which replace older, larger versions removed after monitoring stopped in April last year, have appeared as the council becomes one of several to join forces to provide coverage in towns across West Cornwall, Town clerk Michelle Davey said although the hardware is in place, the council is still awaiting the connection to the monitoring room, which is "in the hands of BT to complete the cabling", and has been advised that it should be fully operational by the end of July.

She added: "Apart from the BT cabling, procedures are in place, monitoring staff are appointed and trained, contracts are almost ready to be signed barring a few minor details and the hardware is in place."

Mary May, who represents Penryn on the town council and Cornwall Council, and as a member of the CCTV management group, said: "As yet they are not up and running, however all will be in place by the end of July in time for Penryn Town Fair at the end of August.

"The CCTV West partnership has been working for our respective councils getting a fair deal for the residents that we represent with state of the art equipment which will be monitored at the new Tolvaddon Fire and Rescue Centre."