A CCTV system that has cost more than £18,000 is FINALLY doing what it is supposed to... two years after it was installed.

On Wednesday, Neyland town councillors were told that cameras - designed to curb antisocial behaviour at Brunel Quay - were now working properly.

A letter from the police said the cameras now clearly showed car registration plates, including at night.

This would be of great assistance should they need to pursue a prosecution, they said.

They added there had been no recent complaints from residents in the area, and were hopeful the cameras in themselves were sufficient deterrent.

Solicitors acting on behalf of the council's insurance company have advised against pursuing legal action against security firm Ocon, which supplied the cameras.

Instead, they have suggested the council accept a £500 discount on work carried out, bringing the total spent to £18,050.

The clerk pointed out this figure included VAT, which the council could claim back.

Cllr Mike Harry said the whole process had been a "shambles".

Cllr Brian Prothero said in the 24 months he had been a councillor, 22 of them had been spent discussing problems at Brunel Quay.

He said the process had been handled badly, with contracts not drawn up properly, but the council did not have "a leg to stand on" in court.

He said any action would only serve to increase the council's premiums, and instead proposed accepting this as a "lesson learnt".

Members voted narrowly in favour of paying Ocon's reduced bill, but only if the firm would throw in a year's free maintenance.

Ocon must also supply the council with a written contract, detailing ongoing maintenance costs.