The business community of Devizes is being urged to support the town’s CCTV system as Wiltshire Council looks for £40million savings.

The future of the eight-camera system, operated by Devizes Development Partnership, is in the balance if the council declines to take on the £7,500 a year obligation given by the former Kennet District Council.

In the letter to businesses, town centre manager Mitch Roberts said: “This has caused a problem in that we are faced with a short-term financial difficulty.

“In order for us to continue operating the CCTV system and until such time that Wiltshire Council completes its review, we require some additional external funding.

“If you feel that your company could assist us in preserving the CCTV operation that would be much appreciated.”

Devizes Town Council has already agreed to continue its financial support.

Noel Woolrych, manager of the CCTV system, said it was only right for businesses to contribute. He said: “The business community will have benefited by the fall in crime in the town. Crime figures have fallen by 30 per cent, 30 per cent and 20 per cent over the last few years.

“This cannot all be credited to the CCTV system but it has played a significant part in the crime reduction.

“DDP has enough funds to pay for the system until the end of the financial year in March but after that we will be looking at a significant shortfall.