CCTV is being reviewed in Worcester to make sure the system is “fit for purpose” after funding for it was controversially cut last year.

Councillor Jabba Riaz, the new cabinet member responsible for crime and disorder at the city council, is going to be assessing what needs to be done.

The cameras used to be monitored in Worcester, but last year the service was merged with Wychavon District Council and managed from Pershore’s civic centre.

Coun Riaz has not ruled out lobbying for extra funding for the system, but has backed the principle of moving it away from the city on the basis it saves taxpayers money.

Funding for monitoring the cameras was cut from £150,000 to £40,000 by Worcester City Council last year as part of the merger, and since then it has come under criticism.

Coun Riaz said: “With regards the CCTV, it has gone there for a reason, and that’s due to shared services.

“I’m going to go down there, take a look at it and assess the situation in terms of where we need the service to be at.

“The review will be about looking at the provision to ensure it’s up to standard, and to see if it matches our expectations. The whole point of the cameras has to be making sure people feel safe from crime and confident they are being monitored appropriately.”

The number of staff working at the Pershore site has not been revealed under safety and security grounds, but both Wychavon District Council and Worcester City Council have stated the cameras are switched on and recording 24 hours a day.

The service is sub-contracted to OCS, a private firm formerly known as Legion Security.

Darren Pinches, who co-owns Bushwhackers and Sin nightclubs, said: “It was a sad affair when the funding was cut and it was moved.

“Local people with local knowledge lost their jobs when it moved. It’s been a concern that the service is sub-standard.”

There are more than 120 CCTV cameras in Worcester.