A CCTV system being planned for four towns in Monmouthshire could be in jeopardy - after one town council refused to approve a list of suggested camera locations.

The Monmouthshire council scheme for cameras to be put up in Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth could now face serious delays after the decision by Chepstow town councillors.

The council also raised concerns about the feasibility of the whole project, the running costs associated with it and what they say is the lack of public consultation over the proposed plan.

In a report to Monmouthshire county council's Lower Wye area committee, CCTV project officer Scott Young says it will mean a "significant delay" in the whole project being implemented - because the technical specification and buying the equipment cannot proceed.

And he warns that if Chepstow does withdraw from the scheme then the capital grant of £458,510 from the National Assembly for Wales could be in jeopardy.

Mr Scott's report was due to be discussed today, and he claims Chepstow's position is likely to undermine public confidence in wider partnership working, as the other towns have approved their schemes and positively contributed to the consultation process.

But Chepstow town councillor Hillary Beach told the Argus the council had some serious concerns about the CCTV project.

She said: "One of the biggest concerns that we as a council have is that we are having to put aside more than £11,000 and that will be a commitment for three years. We would have to put the community tax precept up because we would have to put this money aside."

She added: "We haven't had the opportunity to have a discussion with the people of Chepstow. I represent St Mary's ward but I haven't had one phone call for or against the cameras."

Sergeant Neil O'Connell, Gwent Police's CCTV liaison officer, did not want to comment in depth on Chepstow town council's stance regarding cameras.

But he said: "It's a matter for the council and hopefully it will be straightened out one way or another. We are not seeking to impose the CCTV on them if they don't want it."

And he added: "We are supportive of the bid process and we are supportive of CCTV because it will assist us in reducing and preventing crime in the town centre. It may also help us in detecting crime."