A CCTV camera will be installed on Comberton Hill with the aim of tackling anti-social behaviour, after a long-running campaign for the equipment by local traders.

It will cost around £20,000 to put up the seven-metre column and run the camera in the first year and funding has been provided by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner and Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership.

County councillors Liberal Fran Oborski and Conservative Nathan Desmond have also contributed £1,000 each from their divisional funds towards the equipment, which will be positioned on the footway in the vicinity of 95 Comberton Hill.

Bob Davies, owner of independent insurance advisers Robert Arthur Davies Ltd, which is based at 34 and 35 Comberton Hill, said: “We are very pleased and happy to see the proposals are going ahead.

“The camera will add to the security of the area in the minds of shoppers and anything that assists in bringing people to shop locally will be welcomed by traders.

“Comberton Hill does have problems with litter, low-level vandalism and raucous late-night behaviour, brought about, in part, by the high concentration of take-away shops but I am confident the new equipment will have a positive impact.”

In June, 2012 The Shuttle reported traders’ calls for CCTV following a number of street robberies and problems with drunken youths.

Mrs Oborski, who has campaigned with shop owners for the new camera, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have got a date for installation.

“It is really needed and, hopefully, it will help in an important and fairly vulnerable area and I am just grateful for the patience of the residents and shop owners.”

Wyre Forest District Council, which has sent information regarding the planned installation to all nearby residents and businesses, will pay for the ongoing monitoring costs of the equipment.

The camera will be incorporated into the council’s existing CCTV scheme in Kidderminster town centre, which is monitored 24 hours a day throughout the year.

Conservative Anne Hingley, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for health, wellbeing and housing, added: “Businesses have been campaigning for CCTV on Comberton Hill and we are delighted the installation is going ahead thanks to grants from various sources.

“We hope it will deter any anti-social behaviour and reduce the fear of crime in the area.”