CAMPAIGNING residents have failed in their bid to get closed circuit television in their street. Council chiefs ruled out investing �25,000 in Church Street, Dagenham, despite getting a 137-signature petition. They argued CCTV would not slash crime in the

CAMPAIGNING residents have failed in their bid to get closed circuit television in their street.

Council chiefs ruled out investing �25,000 in Church Street, Dagenham, despite getting a 137-signature petition.

They argued CCTV would not slash crime in the "residential" area which was hit by just six reports of criminal damage, including damaged cars, between June and November 2008.

Cash-strapped council bosses have instead opted for a comprehensive sprucing up programme, due to be discussed at last night's (Wednesday) assembly, as the Recorder went to press.

Village ward Labour Cllr Phil Waker pledged his support to the residents but said: "You're not going to get CCTV in every single street. This is not possible."

The programme will include pruning trees, removing rubbish in a garage area of Church Street, replacing missing fences, reviewing lighting, gating a car park behind Church Lane, and ensuring alleyway gates are locked.

Cllr Waker added: "There's lots of nooks and crannies and alleyways behind the shops in Church Street, consequently if damage is made to a car there are lots of escape routes."

A �15,000 camera will be put on the Village Green, in addition to the existing one, if funding becomes available.

Barking and Dagenham Police advised the council the six crime reports in Church Street, Church Lane and St Giles Avenue were not any higher than in other areas in the borough.

Barking and Dagenham Council said CCTV had limited impact in residential areas and worked best in conjunction with a range of other crime-busting measures.