IT could be a case of what went up must come down for the hidden CCTV cameras in the tall trees of Dog Hill Wood, because of health and safety concerns over town council staff having to climb ladders.

Veteran town councillor, Tony Bradford was instrumental in getting the cameras installed above the so-called "cricket pitch" picnic area, following a run of anti-social behaviour, and he is vowing to fight any move to get the cameras taken down.

Cllr Bradford, who recently helped to install an unspecified number of cameras in tall trees, with the help of town council groundsman, Mark Bateman, said his main concern was the continued peace of mind of residents living at the bottom of Dog Hill Wood, because there had been no incidents of objects being thrown from on high at properties, since the CCTV system was installed.

He said: "I don't want the cameras removed. I'm going to fight it. Some councillors are not happy with the CCTV being in the trees, and staff having to use a ladder.

"But if the cameras come down, being pessimistic, the anti-social behaviour will resume. My concern has always been the residents below. They were frightened, having missiles chucked at their homes."

It was from the so-called cricket pitch area that bottles and even a litter bin were launched at properties below in recent months, leading to the installation of cameras.

Last month, a new 'vandal-proof' litter bin was cemented in at the beauty spot, to prevent it from being ripped up by vandals and possibly following its predecessor down the bank.

And police revealed they had put on extra patrols to Dog Hill Wood, "to hopefully stay ahead of the issue".

Speaking this week, Cllr Bradford, who was chairman of the town's environment and leisure committee when the hidden cameras were installed during the last financial year, at a cost of £84 per camera, said the CCTV system had helped to create a useful picture of what goes on at the cricket pitch site in Dog Hill Wood.

He said: "We've been seeing people coming up there with tents and lighting bonfires all night long."

Ledbury Town Council's new chairman, Cllr Nina Shields said of the health and safety review: "There are health and safety guidelines for working at a height, which need to be followed. That needs to be reviewed."

Cllr Shields said that lowering the cameras "might make them vulnerable", and she added: "This is why it is sensible for the Environment and Leisure Committee to review the options for the continued provision of the system."

The issue was set to be debated at an environment and leisure committee meeting yesterday evening (Thursday June 14), but the final decision lies with the full town council.

If the cameras do stay in place, a new town council groundsman will be called upon to deal the CCTV maintenance, because the present groundsman, Mark Bateman, is moving on to a new position.

Cllr Shields said: "With regard to Mark, he has accepted a very exciting new job. It represents significant promotion to a management position, with training opportunities, which the council is not in a position to offer.

"He feels it will be a wrench to go but is keen to develop his career. As I said to him, while we are sorry to see him leave the council, we are all delighted about his success. It is good to know that his long experience with the council has enabled him to develop his skills to this level.

"While he is still with us he has offered to help us plan for the continuation of the maintenance work - I can see why his new employers recognised his management abilities."