Shopkeepers and local residents are fiercely proud of Oxford's Cowley Road.

In the last few years they have fought an increasingly tough battle to maintain the street's flamboyant atmosphere and should be applauded for their efforts.

The street is a massive draw for revellers from across the county - even more so with the opening of the Carling Academy music venue.

But, let's face it, Cowley Road can feel an uncomfortable place to wander along, especially after dark.

For those unfamiliar with some of the street's more colourful characters, or too drunk to even realise the risks, it can prove a daunting corner of town, especially late at night.

So, news the community is to get CCTV cameras should be welcomed.

The night-time economy is booming and, unfortunately, not everyone is hanging around to make friends, have a beer and a dance.

The recent Operation Bratwurst was aimed at nipping in the bud problems associated with the rowdy and the unruly - and this is the icing on the cake.

Fears were rightly aired over the potential for cameras to shift problems into quieter neighbouring streets, but is this not the lesser of two evils?

Now bobbies on the beat and the effective mountain bike teams can be directed straight to problem spots.

The crooks behind many of the crimes committed in the street will now have a beady eye trained on them.

There will be fewer places to hide and, hopefully, CCTV will make Cowley Road a safer place to be - whatever time of day.