DOUBTS about the effectiveness of CCTV in Studley have been raised after claims of missed incidents.

Speaking at a Studley Parish Council meeting last week, chairman Paul Beaman said certain incidents which the council was aware of had been missed by the cameras and no action taken.

Specifically, the destruction of benches on the new Millennium Green earlier this year was cited as an example when CCTV had proved useless.

Five cameras were installed in the main areas of the village about two years ago following a successful bid and a sixth camera was put in at Pool Road more recently.

The subject of the cameras' effectiveness was broached at the meeting as parish councillors discussed paying £6,000 a year as a contribution to the running costs of the scheme.

But council colleague Clive Rickhards said evidence showed the cameras were having a positive impact in the village.

Insp Mark Ritchie, of Alcester Police, said CCTV systems did have limitations.