PROPOSALS for a £250,000 CCTV scheme suffered a major setback after it was refused extra Government funding.

The newly reformed Beaconsfield Chamber of Commerce unveiled plans for the fully monitored system last month, nearly doubling its previous application for £113,000 for an unmonitored service.

The application came in the wake of a perceived worsening crime rate in the town, which led town councillor Theresa Rossell (Con, North Ward) to back the campaign for extra funding in the Free Press last month.

The refusal by the Government Office for the South East has forced the chamber to submit plans for a fully monitored system with fewer cameras, but which is capable of expansion if the chamber secures additional funding in the future.

Adrian Busby, chairman of the chamber, said he was very disappointed with the news.

He added: "It is imperative that we now press ahead quickly and install the best system possible with the funds available.

"While we could install more cameras, experience has shown that an un-monitored system is much less effective in delivering a reduction in crime levels.

"I will continue to seek additional funding from other sources, but the current funds must be utilized before March 2002 or we will lose them."

Inspector Ray Wilks, of Gerrards Cross police station, echoed Mr Busby's disappointment.

He said: "Obviously, this is better than nothing.

"It is disappointing but we have to be practical and if the funding is not there for it, it will not happen."