A leading Maryport councillor says the town will fight after it was revealed that just one CCTV camera will be placed there as part of the new countywide network.

Workington will get eight cameras, but Maryport has only been assigned one on the town's Senhouse Street.

Town councillor Janice Wood said: "We'll be fighting this decision. There's a huge difference between one and eight and I suggest that while we don't need eight in Maryport, we must certainly need more than one."

Coun Martin Wood said: "I'm outraged, the balance is completely unfair.

"We urgently need to consult the powers-that-be and get some common sense into this. We obviously need more than one. "

The project is part of a county-wide network of 53 cameras which was launched yesterday by crime commissioner Richard Rhodes. The contract is worth £2.5million over the next seven years.

Coun Angela Kendall said: "I would like to see more CCTV in Maryport, but we have to be thankful. Hopefully this camera will be a benefit to the police, helping to stop anti-social behaviour in the town."

The camera is due to be operational in the next couple of weeks.

The number and location of cameras throughout Cumbria was decided following analysis of incidents dealt with by police, consultation with neighbourhood policing teams and the funding opportunities provided by the office of the police and crime commissioner, district councils, and Cumbria Constabulary. 

Mr Rhodes added: "The CCTV system has been designed in a way that means it can be expanded in the future if or when additional funding can be secured." 

Chief Constable Jerry Graham said: " CCTV is one of a number of important tools we can use to help solve crime and keep our local communities safe. 

"The new system will provide consistent and improved CCTV coverage across Cumbria. 

"CCTV acts as a deterrent for would-be criminals, helps track offenders and gather evidence."