A PROPOSAL to replace the CCTV cameras in Dog Hill Wood with other cameras has been challenged by the town councillor who played a leading role in their installation.

But other councillors believe the existing cameras are sub-standard.

The cameras were installed during the last financial year, with the help of Cllr Tony Bradford, who said the existing cameras were high definition and were doing a good job in preventing anti-social behaviour at the so-called "cricket pitch" beauty spot, which overlooks the town.

Cllr Bradford, who was chairman of town's environment and leisure committee at the time, said a still unspecified number of cameras were installed, high up in trees at a cost of £85 per camera, said an upgraded system could cost taxpayers as much as £15,000.

And he believed a relative lack of experience among newer town councillors in particular had led to calls for the existing cameras to be replaced.

Cllr Bradford said: "They can replace the cameras. It's their decision, if they want to spend £15,000.

"They don't know what they are talking about. They should check out all the facts, but many of them are new councillors."

Cllr Bradford added: "The cameras up there are perfect. They are HD. All this was done with debate in council, and we got more than three estimates."

But Ledbury's newest town councillor, Phillip Howells, agrees with Cllr Bradford that the existing cameras are doing a good job.

At a recent meeting of the town's environment and leisure committee, Cllr Howells, whose ward includes Dog Hill Wood, said that local residents were "very satisfied" with the present cameras and that their installation had helped to reduce anti-social behaviour.

But other councillors said that the current cameras were not "fit for purpose" and in future there should be more "frequent and open consultation" with local residents about such installations.

The cameras were installed at the so-called cricket pitch area after bottles and even a litter bin were launched at properties below.

Cllr Nina Shields, the chairman of Ledbury Town Council, proposed that the costs of 'standard' CCTV installation should be investigated for Dog Hill Wood, and this was passed with a unanimous vote, at the last meeting of the town's environment and leisure committee.