AN MP has pledged to help get the town's CCTV cameras back on track after the Bolton Evening News revealed almost one-third of the town centre system was faulty.

Ten of the council's town centre cameras are broken -- three of the four main street CCTV cameras and seven of the 32 car park cameras.

Bolton North East MP David Crausby has vowed to raise the matter with Home Secretary David Blunkett because the Government is responsible for funding the cameras.

He is also calling for an investigation into why the system is breaking down and wants the crime-busting cameras back in action as a matter of urgency.

Mr Crausby said: "Bolton Council has my full support -- we need to look at the whole system and decide exactly what needs to be done.

"I am willing to do whatever I can to help. I will take every opportunity to push for more money for CCTVs for the town.

"Cameras are such an advantage in fighting crime these days. We need to make sure they are working as soon as possible."

Bolton has been given more than £500,000 in the last two years by the Home Office for CCTV projects but the money has been spent on cameras for Chorley Old Road, Hall i'th' Wood, Great Lever and School Hill as part of a crime reduction strategy.

And there is a demand from residents for the installation of more cameras across the borough, mostly in areas blighted by anti-social behaviour.

Council chiefs say Bolton was not given an opportunity to bid for Commonwealth Games money for CCTV security despite the fact that Manchester was given £3 million for a control centre to co-ordinate a state-of the-art system.

Car park cameras, which have been installed at different times in Bolton town centre, undergo regular maintenance and are usually fixed within a couple of days if broken, unless special parts are needed.

The main surveillance cameras -- on Bradshawgate, Deansgate, Churchgate and Great Moor Street -- were installed 11 years ago. The system started giving problems two years ago.

Council chiefs are considering new equipment, using better and more up-to-date technology. They have pledged to work with police in a major review of town centre safety and security.