A BUSINESSMAN is hoping the community will back his calls for a mobile CCTV unit in Paignton after a recent spate of vandalism in the area.

Adam Nunn, owner of Red Rock Café in Goodrington, hopes a camera will help tackle criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in the Young's Park area.

And in conjunction with Safer Communities Torbay he has now made a bid for Government cash to fund a mobile camera.

Mr Nunn attended the You Said, We Did safer community meeting where he found out how to apply for part of £95,000, the South West's share of the Government's Community Cash Back scheme.

He said: "You Said, We Did is a means whereby local residents come together to highlight local concerns and Safer Communities develop and implement.

"With the support of Safer Communities Torbay, we've now put forward a funding application for a mobile CCTV van for Torbay.

"This new addition to the Bay would be a valuable tool in deterring anti-social behaviour in trouble hotspots."

You Said, We Did is an initiative set up by Safer Communities Torbay, a partnership between Torbay Council, police and other local agencies.

The Community Cash Back fund aims to ensure communities not only benefit from the cash seized from criminals but they are also the driving force behind what projects receive the funding.

Up to £95,000 is available across Devon and Cornwall.

Mr Nunn said he was keen to get as much support as possible for the application.

He is now urging Bay residents to get on-line and vote for the Torbay mobile CCTV van initiative.

Mr Nunn added: "Community Cash Back is all about the people's voice, only the most voted for projects will receive a share of the funding available.

"I honestly believe the addition of a mobile CCTV van will give us, as a community, the edge over the small percentage of people who are intent on ruining it for us."

Adrian Leisk, partnership Inspector for Safer Communities Torbay, has pledged his support to the mobile CCTV van project saying it would be a great asset to the Bay.

He said: "We have seen a substantial decrease in crime reports from areas where CCTV has been installed across Torbay.

"A unit like this would provide presence in parts of the Bay which are not currently covered by fixed camera networks.

"In addition, its flexible approach means we would not have a fixed route or times of operation, meaning potential perpetrators wouldn't know when or where to expect the van.

"The high quality images captured will be permissible as evidence in a court of law."

Louisa Aiton, cabinet member for Community Safety, added: "Fear of crime can have a debilitating effect on a community, stopping residents from enjoying their area and the facilities provided to their fullest.

"The van's presence would go a long way to reassure residents and put confidence back into the community."

To support the application visit: http://tinyurl.com/n2pq76 and vote for Torbay Mobile CCTV van.