The CCTV cameras in Devizes town centre could be mothballed if funding is not forthcoming in a year’s time.

Noel Woolrych, the part time manager of the CCTV system of eight cameras, gave the warning this week.

The cameras are operated by Devizes Development Partnership and cost about £23,000 a year to run. They were introduced in 2007 after a 20 year campaign by townspeople.

A three year funding agreement of £7,500 from both Devizes Town Council and the former Kennet District Council runs out at the end of the financial year 2010/11. The remainder is funded by the DDP.

Mr Woolrych told Devizes Town Council on Tuesday: “We will survive for the next financial year but unless we get a funding source we might have to cease operating the cameras.”

Mr Woolrych was at the meeting to explain why some of the cameras were not working during the Christmas period, due to a technical glitch, when a window at Devizes Books was smashed and mentioned the funding situation at the end.

After the meeting Mr Woolrych said: “We will apply for funding from the town council and Wiltshire Council but we can’t assume the funding will continue. We will try other sources for funding such as the Lottery.

“We (DDP) are committed to trying to continue to deliver CCTV on behalf of the community but we have to be practical. If no more funding is available we will have to shut the system down.”

Jo Batchelor, owner of Devizes Books, and newsagent Tony Duck were among businesses which gave donations towards the setting up of the cameras and said they would not not wish to see them go.

Ms Batchelor said: “From a deterrent point of view it’s good and if we were to lose it, it wouldn’t send out a good message to the criminal fraternity.”

Mr Duck said: “The loss of the CCTV system would be a grave setback for the town. The streets are much quieter and safer than before CCTV was introduced.”

Devizes Police commander Inspector Andy Noble said he would not want the system shut down. He said: “CCTV has been very valuable in reducing violence, damage and theft within the centre of Devizes.”