FOUR WEEKS after Bishop's Waltham police complained that new closed-circuit TV cameras weren't doing a proper job - the problem has worsened.

The system which was eagerly anticipated and was supposed to deter crime was branded "useless" by Insp Shaun Moore in February. Images of people captured committing offences were too blurred.

Now police say the cameras are unable to swivel as technicians try and correct the fuzzy images that were causing problems originally.

Winchester City Council who are responsible for the camera say they are working on the problem.

Insp Moore, of Bishop's Waltham police, said it is even worse than before.

"They are beyond useless now because they are not being used at all," he said.

"The cameras are facing one way down the high street in a fixed position and can't swivel around - it's even worse now. It has got to be sorted out."

Bishop's Waltham residents have had to wait for the much-needed cameras for more than a year after a catalogue of delays and technical glitches in getting them to function live.

Twelve months after they were installed at a cost of £60,000 to taxpayers - police discovered the live cameras produced blurred images which could not be used as evidence in court.

Bishop's Waltham has been subjected to vandalism.

It was particularly bad over the Christmas period and police and residents hoped the new cameras would be of some use.

They were meant to go live last summer.

Residents have recently handed in a petition to police saying they needed more protection.

St Peter's Street resident, Paul Goodhew, whose car was damaged in a wrecking spree over Christmas told the Echo: "I've given up on the cameras.

"We've been waiting for them to work for ages and now they are no use."

The council admitted in February there was a problem with live images being transferred to the city's control centre but promised to try and resolve the problem.

Four weeks later, they say they are still doing their best.

A spokesman said: "We know that we have got problems with the system and we are working on those. The problem is funding.

"Unfortunately people in Bishop's Waltham will have to wait a bit longer."