A NETWORK of surveillance cameras covering key public areas in Minehead is playing an increasing part in tackling crime and bringing offenders to book.

Figures released this week reveal that footage from the two systems operating in the town has been used in more than 73 per cent of offences in the area.

And Peter Hughes, West Somerset's community safety officer told West Somerset Council's scrutiny committee on Monday that the number of requests for footage and the number of 'hits' - crime detection evidence - was steadily increasing.

The success of the scheme was part of an annual report provided by Mr Hughes and Inspector Lisa Simpson who heads up the West Somerset police team.

The CCTV network is a partnership between the Avon and Somerset force, the district council and Minehead Town Council.

In all, footage was requested in relation to a total of 65 offences between April and August this year.

And evidence was detected in 48 of those, involving offences ranging from assaults and thefts to public order incidents and criminal damage.

From the 48, a total of 35 'packages' - evidential copies of the footage - were handed over to investigating police officers.

The 17 cameras are on two systems - one covering the main retail area around The Avenue and surrounding streets and public places, with the other focused on the Enterprise Park and Mart Road Industrial Estate.

Mr Hughes said the majority of equipment was top of the range and digital, with 'military spec' cameras covering Minehead's seafront.

"The quality of images now is quite staggering," he said.

"The images are as good as you can get."

One camera has automatic vehicle number plate recognition and all cameras are fitted with infra red facilities, ensuring the quality of images is good day and night.

A part-time co-ordinator is employed to help run the initiative but Mr Hughes said the system was predominantly monitored and driven by a team of volunteers.

"We have five volunteers at the moment but a further two will be taking up post this week," he told councillors.

"They perform duties at all hours of the day and night and typically last weekend some of them worked from 7pm to 3am."

Mr Hughes said the CCTV system was still a work in progress but he said the part played by the volunteers was tremendous.

By the beginning of October, they had put in a total of more than 1,200 hours and both collectively and one individual member of the team had been recognised by being awarded Chief Superintendent Commendations.

Mr Hughes said the CCTV volunteers also worked closely with a team of street pastors operating in Minehead as part of an initiative by the town's Baptist church.

Cllr Doug Ross questioned what training the street pastors - also all volunteers - received and said without the correct approach situations could be exacerbated by their intervention.

But Cllr Dave Westcott, who is involved with Minehead's Baptist church, said he could assure councillors the street pastors were very well trained before they were allowed to patrol the streets.

"They always go in pairs and they immediately ring the police if there is any trouble," said Cllr Westcott.

"They try to diffuse situations but their main aim is to help and look after people, particularly if they are drunk.

"I think they are a great asset."

Mr Hughes confirmed the street pastors were trained and said part of their skill was removing people from potentially volatile situations.

And Inspector Simpson said they also received briefings from police teams on duty when possible.

"There is a good exchange of information," she said.

Cllr Ross said the success of the CCTV system was encouraging.

"And I think we should express our gratitude to the volunteers involved.

"Lots of organisations rely on volunteers but to volunteer to sit in front of a CCTV screen for hours on end is something else."