THE ROYAL Borough will be watched 'all day, everyday' when a new £1.3m CCTV system is introduced.

By the end of 2018 council employees will be able to monitor Ascot, Maidenhead and Windsor residents via a wireless camera set-up.

The council claims it will provide 24 hour coverage, 365 days of the year working in partnership with Thames Valley Police.

According to the most recent figures, there are two council run CCTV cameras in Ascot, 71 in Windsor and Eton and 36 in Maidenhead.

It is currently unclear how many new cameras will be installed, and where they will be positioned.

Councillor Carwyn Cox, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “This investment is one of a number of measures we are taking to make our borough safer.

“We want to support the police and partner organisations in protecting our residents, businesses and visitors.

“The existing CCTV system is reaching the end of its serviceable life after more than 20 years and our replacement will be a significant upgrade.”

The investment follows a review by a private company and comes after CCTV cameras were installed in Hines Meadow, Broadway, Stafferton Way and Victoria Street multi-storey car parks’ stairwells.

Hostile vehicle mitigation barriers in Windsor and an anti-social behaviour tackling policy in the town centre are also aimed to improve safety.

Superintendent Bhupinder Rai, LPA commander for Windsor and Maidenhead, said: “We have worked with the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead on the new CCTV programme.

“We believe the new system will bring with it increased opportunities for crime prevention and detection. It forms an integral part of our ongoing partnership work to keep those who live in, work in and visit our borough safe.”

The proposal to begin looking for a provider to create the new system was approved by the Royal Borough’s cabinet earlier this year.