NEW CCTV cameras have already helped police with their enquiries about a recent arson attack in Porthmadog­.

The Porthmadog Neighbourhood Policing Team has recently been successful in setting up new surveillance cameras in the town.

The CCTV cameras were installed in mid-October overlooking the back streets by Tesco and, with the full support of the council, Chamber of Trade and North Wales Police, funding was secured for further installations on 6 November, overlooking the site of the new residential care home.

Community support officer Mark Hughes had been lobbying for extra surveillance in the area.

Mark said: “I am very pleased that the cameras have been installed, and are already helping with investigations, for instance, they have provided valuable evidence on an arson which took place on 11 October.”

District inspector Gethin Jones added: “PCSO Hughes has worked tirelessly to achieve this; his dedication in successfully negotiating a number of hurdles in the process in order to keep our communities safe has made me very proud.”

Money from North Wales Police’s DM Owen Fund was made available for the project which will protect officers and residents alike.

Gwynedd Chief Inspector Richie Green authorised use of the money, saying: “We’ve been trying to get CCTV in Porthmadog for over 10 years, so to see this happening is really positive.”

“Enquiries are ongoing into an arson in Porthmadog. At approximately 6.30pm on 11 October officers were called to reports of suspicious activity at an address in the town.

“On arrival at the property, officers found that a small fire had been started, and extinguished by the entrance.”