COMMUNITY leaders are focussing on installing new CCTV to the streets of Selkirk.

A recent report by Scottish Borders Council revealed that one-in-four of their cameras across eight towns in the region don't work.

And the majority of the others are out of date and needing replaced.

But a stand-off between the local authority and Police Scotland over who should fund a replacement system has led to doubts over the future of the cameras.

Business leaders in Selkirk have now priced up a new system for their own town centre.

And a communications company has already carried out a study to provide costings.

Up to six of the latest remote-controlled 180-degree cameras would be installed along the High Street, in West Port, at the War Memorial and also aimed at the Fleshmarket Steps.

Selkirkshire councillor Caroline Penman said: "We are looking to get the CCTV up and running as soon as possible.

"These would be 180-degree rotational cameras with analytics which will be used by the police.

"A plan is in place as well as costings so it is now up to the community to see if there is enough support."

The project is being led by officials at the Selkirk Business Improvement District (BIDs) company, Selkirk Means Business.

And they will conduct a consultation over the coming weeks to gauge opinion.

Councillor Penman added: "There have been issues in the past where robberies have gone unsolved because the CCTV footage wasn't good enough.

"This would also deter things like anti-social behaviour.

"The new CCTV would make Selkirk a safer place to live and work."

The proposed system, which would be part funded by Selkirk Means Business as well as grants from the local authority, would provide four-weeks of backdated recording at any time for investigating officers, as well as remote access to view live footage from the cameras.

The planned CCTV has been welcomed by Selkirk Community Council.

Chairman Alistair Pattullo said: "This has to be a good thing for the town.

"Taking the viewing screens out of the police station would make the system more accessible and effective."