A crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) has taken a major step forward as CCTV cameras in north Oxfordshire are set for a £250,000 upgrade.

Cherwell District Council's executive approved the investment on September 9, allowing the council to join the Thames Valley CCTV partnership.

The council's 63 cameras will be upgraded to high-definition models, a requirement for joining the partnership.

Councillor Rob Parkinson, portfolio holder for safer communities, said: "A modern CCTV network is a key element in protecting our communities. CCTV helps us all to feel safer, deters crime, and catches criminals.

"By making this investment now, we not only improve the coverage of our public spaces but also share resources with our neighbouring councils and the police.

"In the future, economies of scale will reduce our financial liabilities and deliver savings for taxpayers."

Under the partnership, the council will continue to contribute financially towards CCTV in the district.

However, ownership of the cameras and future upgrade responsibilities will be handed over to Thames Valley Police.

The partnership will see Oxfordshire's cameras coordinated at a single hub, with increased staffing for more effective, real-time monitoring.

Under the arrangements, the council could save around £10,000 a year on maintenance costs in the years to come.

The council, which said the moves comes as it is "stepping up community safety efforts," added the cameras help to deter anti-social behaviour and crime.