AN Overton parish councillor has slammed a decision not to allow money gained from the sale of the police house to pay for CCTV in the village.

Cllr Graham Hensman spoke of his disgust after village bobby Pc Paul Green told the parish council the money would go into a central fund.

"There is a department within the police force which will fund some money towards CCTV," he said. "But some of the money would have to come from the parish council and the borough council would make a reasonable contribution.

"There will not be any proceeds from the sale of the house."

At the same time, councillors heard there had been five Winchester Street premises broken into during the early hours of one Sunday morning and Pc Green believed CCTV may have helped identify a vehicle or person involved.

He added: "We've had 162 recorded crimes compared to 127 last year. This is a fairly big increase but it was only in September that I suddenly find myself with more time on the beat. Before then, it hadn't been a particularly good year for me."

Cllr Hensman said: "I'm bloody seething. We have to have CCTV to keep this mini-crimewave under control but Hampshire Constabulary won't pay for it.

"By your own admission there is a direct link between your ability to attend earlier this year, a mini-crimewave and the closure of the police station and we are the ones expected to pay to put it right. I find it staggering.

"It is a primary piece of real estate and they are going to make squillions out of the sale. If the money is used wisely it would only take a small contribution to pay for CCTV.

"It should be used directly for the benefit of Overton and the surrounding area.

"We need something from the Chief Constable of Hampshire categorically stating they will do all they can to get as much money as possible for this."

Pc Green suggested a working party should be set up as soon as possible to discuss the type of system required and the costs involved.

He said: "We do need to get this in the village and it may help me detect - and in the long term prevent - a number of offences being committed.

"CCTV can be extremely useful, but it may take some time. I cannot comment on the financial management of the police force but as you all know I did not want the station to close and I am trying to do the best I can within the village."