A pioneering CCTV system has been launched to keep communities safe in Penzance, Hayle and St Ives.

The West Cornwall CCTV Partnership has been started by the town councils of St Ives, Penzance and Hayle.

The innovative initiative will monitor and manage up to 40 cameras in the three town centres from a single control centre, based in St Ives.

The town councils, who each own their town centre CCTV system, were asked to find an alternative solution when they were faced with the closure of the Cornwall Tolvaddon control centre.

The authorities have worked together with local security contractor Infinitus to set up a new partnership from the bottom up.

The partnership will ensure live monitoring and maintenance of the systems is delivered locally. It will also provide for closer working with the local police sector which covers the three towns.

St Ives mayor Cllr Johnnie Wells said: “Upon learning that the Cornwall system was closing down, the three town councils very quickly stepped in with an innovative solution. I am proud of what we have achieved by working together to deliver for our local area.”

Penzance mayor Cllr Stephen Reynolds added: “This initiative is a great example of how town councils can work in partnership to find local solutions that work better for our residents and businesses.

“From a Penzance perspective, I’m confident that this improved, locally-controlled CCTV monitoring – combined with increased funding from Penzance Council and Penzance BID in Street Marshals and anti-social behaviour support – will help make our streets safer for everyone. Huge thanks to the staff from all three councils, and from our contractors Infinitus, for making this happen.”

Hayle mayor Cllr June Lawrenson-Reid said: “We are delighted that we have been able to establish this new West Cornwall partnership and to continue to deliver this essential service, following Cornwall Council's withdrawal.

“It is a good news story in terms of community safety for the local residents and businesses and we have every confidence that this new collaboration will be more flexible and suited to the needs of the three towns.

“Lots of hard work has gone into this initiative, and we appreciate the work of the town clerks and their teams and Infinitus to getting us to this point.”

Kim Phillips, director of Infinitus Security Ltd said: “We are very happy to be involved in the new CCTV Control Room covering St Ives, Penzance and Hayle towns, which will help improve the safety and comfort of people who live, work and visit the area.

“Our work will help improve wellbeing, with the use of this critical tool, by actively working with local Police to combat anti-social behaviour and crime, as well as providing a necessary service in supporting the town councils and other agencies in their work.”

Police Inspector Dee Evans, Penzance and Isles of Scilly Sector said: ‘’It’s great to see CCTV monitoring for my Sector will be controlled locally.

“This will be advantageous to my officers who utilise CCTV frequently as part of their investigations.

“This new way of working will streamline processes making them more efficient. It will also allow for officers to build up better local connections with our partnership colleagues, which in turn will lead to an increase in public safety and better outcomes for victims.’’