COUNCIL chiefs in the New Forest have revealed that a £1m crime-busting scheme could be extended to other parts of the district.

Forty closed-circuit television cameras have been installed in the Forest in a bid to cut crime and antisocial behaviour in busy shopping centres.

But the hi-tech scheme is operating in only three towns -- Lymington, Totton and Ringwood.

Now New Forest District Council is hoping to attract sufficient funds to create safer streets in towns and villages that still lack CCTV.

Candidates include New Milton, the scene of several violent incidents in recent months, and Fordingbridge, where gangs of rowdy youths are making life hell for residents and traders.

Simon Hayes, council leader and chairman of Hampshire Police Authority, said at the scheme launch: "CCTV does work - and we will do all we can to combat crime in our area."

Hampshire's Chief Constable, Paul Kernaghan, unveiled a plaque in the council offices before visiting the underground control room.

The cameras, which operate 24 hours a day, provide crystal images of the streets below.

They were installed after New Forest Safety Partnership (NFSP) secured government funding for the project. In the past two months almost 200 incidents have been caught on video.

NFSP chairman Nick Gibbs said: "The cameras have provided valuable information in all sorts of situations, which is very reassuring for the public."