The 'talking' boxes are positioned on the CCTV camera columns

From Friday, weekend revellers will hear a voice warning them that they are "entering an area controlled by CCTV".

It is the first scheme of its kind in north Wales but police say they want to reassure the public that they are not playing "big brother".

"They're not warning signs, they're just a reminder for people," said community safety officer Pete Barrett.

Revellers out in Wrexham between 2000BST and 0330BST from Friday to Sunday will hear a pre-recorded message every ten minutes.

"We want people to enjoy themselves when they are out and about in Wrexham at the weekends but we also want to remind them that CCTV cameras are in operation to reduce any public disorder in the town," said Pc Barrett.

Wrexham town centre is well monitored by CCTV cameras

"These are preventative measures to ensure that residents and visitors feel safe when they come into town for a night out."

Officers stress that the messages are pre-recorded and will not be controlled by operational staff in the same way as surveillance cameras.

The four talking boxes cost �250 each and have been jointly funded by Wrexham Council and North Wales Police.

Additional pre-recorded messages are being planned for car parks across Wrexham warning drivers to make sure they do not leave valuables on display.

"We know that CCTV can make a big impact in reducing crime in the town centre and in other parts of Wrexham," said Wrexham council's strategic director Malcolm Russell.

"We hope that this trial will reassure members of the public that the cameras are in place to protect them and discourage those who may be thinking of behaving in anti-social ways."

The speaking surveillance units are North Wales Police's latest initiative to reduce anti-social behaviour in Wrexham town centre.

Last month drinkers who had urinated on the street were handed buckets and brooms to clean up their mess in the new campaign.

People who foul the footpaths were given a choice of either cleaning up after themselves or face being arrested.

In the three weeks it has been operating 52 people had been given the choice and only three had refused, say police.