Devizes' CCTV system will continue to operate at least until September after a last-minute bail-out by Wiltshire Council.

But after that Devizes Development Partnership will have to find other sources of revenue to keep the cameras running.

Although Devizes Town Council has pledged its continued support for the system, Wiltshire Council has refused to match-fund it in the way Kennet District Council used to do.

The DDP warned that, unless the funding was forthcoming, the system would have to shut down and be mothballed from next week.

But following an intervention from Wiltshire councillor and DDP committee member Richard Gamble, Wiltshire Council’s economic development department has agreed a one-off grant of £5,000 to tide the system over.

Coun Gamble said: “Instead of looking for one big grant, it might be better if we could interest lots of people into making a smaller contribution.

“If 40 local businesses and individuals would pledge £10 a month, we would have the money we need.”

Coun Gamble has called a meeting between DDP, the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and his fellow councillor Nigel Carter next week to thrash out a strategy for raising the money.

Anyone interested in helping raise the £11,500 needed to keep the CCTV system running can contact Coun Gamble by e-mail at richard.gamble@wiltshire.gov.uk