A CCTV expert was in Bewdley last week to look at how the crime-fighting system could benefit the town.

Barry Goehler from DATpro, a firm which specialises in CCTV and the law, said cameras could be ideally placed at several locations in the town including Load Street and the two car parks.

He said the layout of Bewdley "suits itself very well" to the system and predicted the "whole town centre" could be monitored with just five cameras.

Mr Goehler, a director of the firm, based in Stockport, Manchester, said: "I have yet to compile my report but I think Bewdley could certainly benefit from CCTV.

"What I am likely to recommend is a dome camera on Load Street - this will be able to pan and zoom, giving maximum coverage. Cameras could also be placed at the car parks at Dog Lane and off Load Street."

The firm had been called in to carry out a feasibility study thanks to a cash grant secured by Opportunity Bewdley.

Mr Goehler visited the town on Thursday for a guided tour by Bewdley police beat manager Nigel Barter, including a visit to the hub of a CCTV operation in Bromsgrove.

Mr Goehler said: "I will need to look at the wider picture of Bewdley as well as Kidderminster and Stourport. It will need to be decided where the cameras will be monitored - chances are such a scheme would have to tap into an existing system like in Bromsgrove."

PC Barter said: "There is still a lot of work to be done but from my point of view CCTV would be beneficial for the town.

"The ideal scenario is the cameras would tap into a scheme supervised by full-time staff who would also have possession of the radio system used to link shops together in the three towns."

The report from DATpro, whose chief role is to advise on the Data Protection Act, is expected by the end of next month.