A CCTV camera aimed at protecting ‘vulnerable’ Kidderminster traders from violent crime has not been switched on months after it was installed, it has been revealed.

In July last year, it was announced Comberton Hill would finally get the long-awaited security system and it was hailed as a solution to the anti-social behaviour problems experienced by business owners in the area.

But, despite the necessary equipment being installed months ago, the camera has not been in operation because of technical issues experienced by BT Openreach in getting the equipment connected.

Liberal Councillor Fran Oborski, who contributed towards the cost of installing the system through her community funds, labelled the situation a “mess”.

Local campaigner Steve Walker, who said he had battled for years to get the CCTV installed and collected hundreds of names on petitions for the cause, claimed businesses did not feel safe in the area.

BT has confirmed that there are issues with underground ducting and said they are looking to resolve the problem as soon as possible.

The cost of installing the CCTV column and running it for the first year is £20,000 with the bulk of funding provided by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner and Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership.

Councillor Oborski, fellow Wyre Forest District Council member Nathan Desmond and former councillor Mumshad Ahmed also made contributions through their community fund initiatives towards the scheme.

Once it is in operation, cameras will be monitored and the equipment maintained by Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership.

Councillor Oborski said: “This is a totally ludicrous situation. Councillor Nathan Desmond and I initiated this scheme and this mess is totally unacceptable.”

Mr Walker said: “The shop owners on the hill are living in fear of being attacked by knife-wielding yobs who they claim are targeting fast-food restaurants at night.

“Vulnerable Comberton Hill traders are desperate for CCTV cameras to be installed and working along the busy street as they say they do not feel safe in their own shops and some businesses have even moved or closed down for safety reasons.

“I worked closely with residents and traders for a number of years to secure funding for CCTV. It is now 2015 and it’s in place but not working.”

Councillor Anne Hingley, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Housing said: “The funding for the CCTV camera at Comberton Hill is secure.

“We are working with BT to resolve their technical issues which are causing the delay. Once BT has completed its work, the camera can go live.”

A BT spokeswoman said engineers were on site looking to fix the problem. She added: “There is an issue with underground ducting which BT is working hard with Openreach to resolve as quickly as possible.”