Traders have urged councillors not to forget them if they decide to install CCTV cameras on an Oxford estate.

Oxford City Council’s south east area committee is considering a plan to install cameras at two parades of shops in Blackbird Leys – the Top Shops in Blackbird Leys Road and outside the Spar in Dunnock Way, Greater Leys — which have experienced problems with crime.

But shopkeepers in Balfour Road claim they also need a camera, after two recent break-ins.

Chris Pill, director of JE Pill & Sons butchers, said: “I am saying ‘don’t forget us’ because we have our problems here as well.

“All the shops along here have had break-ins in the past. The council has a duty of care to protect the community.”

In December, burglars broke in to the butchers and stole £100 of sausages.

Another shop on the parade suffered a break-in last week, but nothing was stolen.

Chantel Piper, supervisor at Martins newsagent, said: “I would feel more comfortable if there were CCTV cameras outside. It is very uncomfortable and not nice when you are here on your own and it’s dark.”

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said there had been six crimes reported by the Balfour Road shops since December 1, including the two break-ins, drug possession and an assault.

Police figures showed there were 37 reported crimes including arson, assault and attempted murder at the Top Shops between October 1 last year and January 18.

In the same period there were 11 reported crimes and 22 other incidents by the Spar.

The Balfour Road traders have received the backing of Blackbird Leys Parish Council in their bid to get CCTV.

Parish council chairman Gordon Roper said he would raise the issue with the estate’s police neighbourhood action group and at the next south east area committee meeting in a bid to get Balfour Road included in the plans.

On Monday, the committee is due to consider a technical report on the two cameras currently proposed — which would cost an estimated £13,350 each.

Oxford Safer Communities Partnership has committed itself to funding up to 50 per cent of the project, depending on a detailed need assessment produced by the police and the city’s Night Safe manager, and the guarantee of matched funding from the committee.

Insp Andy Storey said that because of funding issues it would be unlikely that money could be found for a camera in Balfour Road, but said he would speak to Mr Pill with a view to increasing police patrols.

ghamilton@oxfordmail.co.uk