The scheme, which was originally aimed at preventing a spate of vandalism on council properties, has been extended across Trafford and now 185 cameras operate 24 hours a day from a security centre at Trafford Town Hall.

Trained operators keep a close eye on each camera and have a direct link with the police's area operations room.

Tony Russell, Trafford Council community safety manager, said: "The success of our cctv network relies heavily on the hand-in-hand relationship we have developed with the police. They can use our facilities for special operations and the video link allows us to let them know when criminal activity is happening so they can act swiftly."

The introduction of the cameras has helped reduce street crime in the borough and reassured residents that everything is being done to protect personal safety and property.

Tony added: "The feedback from residents has been extremely positive. Cctv is not just about reducing crime - it is about reducing the fear of crime.

"Cameras are also a useful tool in preventing crime- if a culprit knows they are going to be pictured, they will tend to think twice. Crime has reduced in Trafford greatly over the past 12 months, but cctv is not a solution on its own. It works because it is part of an integrated scheme that is working to tackle crime."

Trafford Council's control room has a direct link to one of Greater Manchester Police's incident rooms at its nearby headquarters in Chester House.

The cameras can also be used for police surveillance purposes and the tapes are regularly reviewed to provide evidence in prosecutions.

PC Paul Berry of Greater Manchester Police works closely with the Council's team in the fight against crime.

He said: "As Trafford Council has extended the cctv network, it has become more and more useful to the police in terms of both preventing and tackling crime. We view the equipment as an excellent extension to police facilities and it is a prime example of how other agencies can help us in our work to fight crime."

The scheme is part of a plan to make Trafford a better, safer, healthier and more pleasant place to live and work.