A CCTV system which councillors feared would have to be turned off looks set to be granted a reprieve.

Fifteen traders turned up to the latest meeting aimed at salvaging the network of cameras on Market Street, Westhoughton, on Monday night.

The meeting was held to gauge support for the CCTV system which councillors warned would be axed unless at least 50 per cent of business owners in the town came forward with money.

A decision was due to be made next week, but Cllr David Wilkinson said he now expected the town council to delay the decision further after being encouraged by the response of traders. He said: "Those who came said they wanted to see the cameras retained.

"There are still some problems which surround the funding but we hope that the police have now dispelled the myths which surround the system. Because we were encouraged by last night, we may defer the decision a bit further."