A CCTV scheme launched in a Southampton neighbourhood as part of the city's fight against crime has finally been switched on - more than two years after it was installed.

Bitterne Precinct was one of several areas identified in the city that required the surveillance scheme to stamp out the constant vandalism, verbal abuse and under-age drinking.

But months after the cameras were installed, they had still not been switched on.

Parking manager for Southampton City Council, Stuart Chivers, said the delay was due to the fact that the project had originally been planned as a rotational CCTV scheme covering three key areas - Bitterne Precinct, Northam Shopping Parade and Woolston district centre.

It was intended to rotate the camera based on the need in a particular area at any given time.

The scheme, which cost a total of £2.3m, also included permanent CCTV cameras in Millbrook in Windermere Avenue, Cumbrian Way and Kendal Avenue.

The rotational camera was first installed in Northam, but residents were unhappy after it was moved and the decision was made to install permanent cameras in each of the areas.

"We kept the camera at Northam, but that meant that Woolston and Bitterne didn't have cameras," said Mr Chivers.

"To move the scheme on we then had to get more funding to bring all three sites online all the time.

"Additional cameras meant there was then a need for a control room with greater capacity.

"After securing the extra funding we built a new control room and then we installed the cameras one at a time. Unfortunately, Bitterne was last in line."

Jean Millington, manager of Barnardo's charity shop in Bitterne Precinct, said it was great news for the area that the cameras had finally been switched on.

"We had a till snatch in May. If they had been on then we might have been able to find out who was responsible," she said.

"Hopefully things will improve now."

Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, John Denham, also welcomed the news.

"I hope the new cameras will make a real difference," he said. "Together with the new Section 30 order - a new power from the government's antisocial behaviour act which enables the police to move on any threatening groups who might gather in the evening - they will help bring us the thriving precinct we all want to enjoy."