CEREDIGION CCTV will not be paid for by police, the crime commissioner has reiterated, after calls from a councillor to reconsider.

Aberystwyth councillor Ceredig Davies called on Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon to “reconsider reinstating the CCTV system in the town” after a man had his ear bitten off in a horror Hallowe’en attack.

The Cambrian News has revealed that, since the town’s system was switched off, violent and sexual crimes had nearly doubled – with fewer offenders brought to justice.

Over half the incidents in Aberystwyth between January and July this year were unable to be prosecuted, official figures revealed.

Despite the concerns, Mr Salmon, in a letter to Cllr Davies, said he still had “no plans” to fund the system.

“Aberystwyth is a safe place but I can understand why people feel concerned and vulnerable after reports such as this,” Mr Salmon said.

“However, it’s impossible to say whether or not Ceredigion County Council’s former CCTV system would have prevented this or other incidents."

See next week’s South edition for the full story