SPY cameras have been switched back on in Worcester.

State-of-the-art CCTV cameras were launched at the weekend to cover Bonfire Night celebrations.

It follows a switch off in main areas of the Faithful City for more than two weeks as the system was changed from analogue to a state-of-the-art digital system.

The move provoked uproar across the city when BBC Hereford & Worcester radio decided to broadcast the switch-off. The radio station was condemned by city MP MIke Foster and the city council - among others.

The Worcester News agreed with police it would not be in the public interest to publish the news and was applauded by businesses and dignitaries across the city for its stance.

Police increased patrols and undertook a number of measures, including undercover operations, to combat the switch-off.

They stressed there was no significant crime rise in the period.

Supt Jane Horwood, of South Worcestershire Police said: "For the last three days, Worcester has had one of the most sophisticated city-centre CCTV systems in the UK - making it an even safer environment in which to work, live and relax.

"The enhanced CCTV system is already part of the many-faceted policing we undertake in the city centre - working closely with Worcester City Council, which funds the leading-edge equipment operated by our specially-trained staff."

She added: "CCTV is a highly useful tool in our investigative - and crime prevention armoury - but it is not the only one. The temporary interruption of its capability was inconvenient and regrettable, but city centre businesses and the public continued to be covered by effective and efficient policing."

David Wareing, chief executive of Worcester City Council, said: "I am very pleased that the project to upgrade and improve the CCTV system in Worcester city centre has been completed well inside the contract period allocated for the work.

"Although I have not yet seen detailed figures, there does not appear to have been a significant increase in crime over the period."