THE importance of fully functioning CCTV has been emphasised to Watchet town councillors following evidence of serious organised crime locally.

Town clerk Jo Grellier said council staff had been helping police access the existing equipment following a National Crime Agency (NCA) operation in the summer.

NCA officers arrested a suspected four-strong drug smuggling gang, including Albanian and Greek nationals, after what was believed to be an at-sea drugs drop-off.

An assessment of the town’s CCTV network was underway and a report would be brought to councillors.

Together with Cllr John Irven, Ms Grellier said she also met with police to discuss a spike in anti-social behaviour.

She said it was a ‘positive and collaborative’ look at how to work together to reduce criminal activity.