WORK to upgrade CCTV cameras in town centres across the borough is nearly complete.

Engineers will install state-of-the-art cameras in Sedgley at the end of the month as the £1.7 million project draws to a close.

New cameras have so far been installed in Dudley, Halesowen, Brierley Hill and Stourbridge town centres to replace old and outdated kit.

Most of the town centre cameras are now live, with extra cameras planned for Highfields in Halesowen.

Councillor David Vickers, deputy leader of the council, said: "I am glad this important scheme is now nearing completion which means our town centres are now safer than ever before.

"The new cameras we have installed are more sophisticated in being able to capture detailed footage of incident and issues, something which is hugely beneficial in not only making people feel safer, but tackling crime too.

"The budget we agreed this month will see the biggest investment in council services in a decade with more than £9million going to council services. Keeping people safe in town centres is a key part of that.”

Dudley Street in Sedgley will closed from 8am to mid-afternoon on Sunday, March 22 to allow the cameras to be installed.

A diversion will be in place along High Holborn and Gate Street.

The work is part of a borough-wide investment in the scheme which was approved as part of a £9million investment in council services.