A �500,000 Close Circuit TV monitoring suite has been launched to fight crime in Flintshire.

The new centre will link 42 cameras around various locations throughout the region.

Installed cameras

Buckley Flint Shotton Holway Estate Holywell County Hall complex

The scheme has been funded jointly by the Home Office and the local authority.

The purpose-built suite at County Hall, in Mold, will be manned 24 hours a day by civilian staff who will alert police officers to any criminal activities.

The centre has 26 screens to view pictures from cameras which can zoom in close enough to read car number plates.

Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami said the cameras are an integral part of fighting crime.

There are 26 monitors in the new suite

He said: "CCTV has proved itself to be an effective deterrent particularly against anti-social behaviour.

"I would like to see the scheme extended throughout Alyn and Deeside.

"We really have to address serious problems in the region and I think older people in particular will feel a lot happier knowing the cameras are in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Six areas of Flintshire have CCTV cameras installed already and equipment will be operative in Mold town centre before Christmas.

CCTV has been sent up in Flintshire

There will also be opportunities for other camera schemes in communities, schools and businesses across the county to be included in the project.

Leader of Flintshire county council, Alex Aldridge, said the control centre pointed towards the way forward for tackling crime.

"The monitoring suite will become the county's nerve centre for all CCTV activity and will play a major part in keeping communities safe.

"The safety of all residents and visitors to the county is one of our key priorities," he said.