A Plan to upgrade CCTV coverage in Newent is being considered following a rise in petty crime in the run-up to Christmas.

A meeting with Police sergeant Richard Boyles to discuss the way forward was agreed by town councillors this week.

Members heard a number of incidents took place in December, including windows being smashed at the Carpet Shop, Dolce Vita and the Post Office.

There was also a break-in at a house in Culver Street and thefts from cars in what Coun Roger Beard called, "an extensive list of crime".

Giving his report to fellow councillors, he said: "Are the CCTV cameras working or not? None of us know".

"This is something that should be sorted out quickly.

"Let's give the police good cameras, good lighting. It's is something we can do."

Coun Ray Hill said he had been told the quality of cabling for the cameras was insufficient for a good picture.

The present CCTV cameras were installed by Forest of Dean District Council, with the town council agreeing to contribute £1,000 a year towards the system for five years.

Town clerk Deidre Rosser said the town council was not happy with the quality of the pictures almost from the start.

She said more than £4,000 for the cameras remained in the budget as unpaid funding, due to the early concerns.

The existing CCTV cameras are linked to Coleford Police Station, where the images are not constantly monitored.

Coun Beard suggested a link to Newent Police Station instead. This will be discussed by councillors and the police when they meet in February or March.