COMMUNITY leaders are calling for CCTV to be installed at the spot where a man was found critically injured.

Anthony Beecham, 38, was found with life-threatening injuries between the Nightingale pub and the Spar shop in Bettws, Newport, in the early hours of December 29.

The father of two died on Tuesday at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

Last week a man of 41 and four teenagers were released on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of committing serious assault. Police investigations into how Mr Beecham was injured continue.

Now, Bettws Tenants and Residents Association plan to start a petition for CCTV cameras around the back of Bettws shopping centre, where Mr Beecham was found.

Colin Symonds, chairman of the association, said: "It's a terrible tragedy - the whole estate is shocked.

"It is now time for something to be done." Councillor Noel Trigg, who represents the area and is backing the petition, said he has campaigned for cameras for years. "We desperately need CCTV," he said.

Councillor Trigg said local people had also reported gangs congregating in the area.

He said: "People are too frightened to go to the shops in the evening." Councillor Trigg now intends to ask the council for funds for the cameras, which he said could be monitored by the police or the local authority. The CCTV would cover the centre of Bettws shopping centre as well as the rear.

Mr Symonds believes this would help prevent anti-social behaviour. "It's a very sad day when we have to resort to this to give people peace of mind," he said.

Bettws Tenants and Residents Association plan to join forces with the Local Partnership Board to apply for grants for the scheme if the council can not provide funding.

A Newport city council spokeswoman said: "The council currently has no funding available for the extension of the city's CCTV system. "However, we would support any moves by businesses to install their own systems, and continue to work closely with our community safety partners to improve safety and reduce crime across the city."

Mr Beecham, of Monnow Ways, Bettws, leaves a widow, Karen, and two children, Amy, 18, and Kyron, 15.