IT is extremely sad, but perhaps not totally surprising in this day and age, that we are having to consider CCTV to help protect Keighley's cenotaph and other areas of Town Hall Square.

Railings were installed by the town council around the war memorial some years ago in a bid to stop youngsters using the structure to test their biking and skateboarding skills.

But clearly, while the move may have helped to some degree, it has not been an unequivocal success.

Whether cameras will act as a deterrent is debatable – young people are probably unlikely to be fazed by them.

But from a general crime-fighting and prevention viewpoint, CCTV there must be a good thing.

Most areas of Keighley's town centre, in common with other focal points across the country, are now monitored by cameras.

With the exception of the minority, that sees their use as an infringement of rights etc, people now view them as part and parcel of our society.

And without a shadow of a doubt, CCTV has played its part in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in town and city centres and helped apprehend criminals.

Disappointing as it may be that it has become necessary, let us pursue the idea of extending that coverage to Town Hall Square which is a popular oasis for so many.