FEARS are growing that the installation of long-awaited CCTV in a Kidderminster street that has been plagued by crime and anti-social behaviour could be stalled for another year.

Traders are worried that their 10-year battle to have the cameras put up along Comberton Hill could be pushed back further, following a delay in its introduction.

The CCTV was set to go up in the street last month but is said to have been delayed by contractors involved with the project.

Resident Steve Walker, who has been campaigning with the traders, said they feared the setback could mean the cameras would not be installed until next year but Liberal Wyre Forest councillor Fran Oborski, who has been organising the CCTV project, said work was set to start in the next six weeks.

Mr Walker added shop owners were now desperate for cameras after the CB Radio and Gun shop was targeted in a theft, for which a man has appeared in court.

“The financial year ends in a month and there’s still no camera," said Mr Walker. “Attempted robberies are still happening. People’s safety is still an issue.

“Traders are fuming. It’s about time the council pull their fingers out and stop blaming various departments and organisations and simply get the job done.

“If we have CCTV then the hill will be monitored 24/7. It just gets delayed and delayed and delayed. They have been waiting for 10 years and I think it needs to come to the forefront.”

Mrs Oborski explained that the scheme would be going ahead, adding: “The delay is because of agency contractors.

“All the project management and contractors are all in place so the scheme is about to proceed. It will be a couple of months before it is installed. The project should be starting in the next six weeks or so. I will be contacting the traders who are affected.”

Shop owners set up a petition to have CCTV installed after being intimidated by drunken yobs hanging around the street at night and following a number of street robberies, which were probed by police.