Kirklees Council is to replace its ageing and out-dated town centre CCTV cameras at a cost of almost £2 million.

The council has 134 cameras across town centres including Huddersfield, Holmfirth, Dewsbury, Batley, Mirfield, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Birstall.

The cameras, which have a surveillance and recording capability, are monitored 24 hours a day.

However, the current analogue technology is now out-of-date and prone to breakdowns and the council plans to replace the cameras with the latest digital technology.

The total cost of replacing the CCTV system is estimated at £1.92 million. The new system will cost around £306,000 a year to operate but the council says that will be partially offset by saving around £200,000 in annual maintenance costs for the old cameras.

Much of the existing CCTV infrastructure has been in place for a number of years and relies on older analogue technology which is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

A report to the council’s Cabinet says: “A new CCTV replacement programme will provide improved quality of surveillance, improve technical resilience, maintain public confidence and ensure the council can continue to meet its public safety objectives.”

Clr Simon Brophy, Cabinet member for strategic finance and local government efficiency, said: “One of our priorities is to keep all people in Kirklees safe, for example by reducing anti-social behaviour.

“Investing in CCTV will also help to prevent and solve crime and, alongside partners such as the police, bring more effective enforcement activity.

“These positive outcomes will help to revitalise our town centres, strengthening civic pride and supporting local businesses. We are helping the Kirklees economy to grow, which is another priority for this council.

“The existing CCTV system has served Kirklees for many years, but the technology is ageing. A more modern network will deliver better value for money and be fit for the future in meeting the needs of local communities.”

The council will now move into the procurement stage of the programme, with further details about the new system and its rollout to be confirmed following the appointment of a supplier.