Spy cameras could be installed on Middle Road in Warwick in a bid to rid the area of drugs pushers.

The plan was presented to the public on Friday by a private detective agency which was drafted in by several business leaders in the area.

The company, International Security and Investigations, hopes to set up about eight closed circuit television cameras along Middle Road in the area of the Four Star Pizza restaurant and the Warwick Bowl.

The programme, which will be funded by local businessmen, will cost about $40,000 to set up. Monitoring will also be the responsibility of local shopkeepers.

At Friday's meeting, attended by Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith, Shadow Public Safety Minister Alex Scott and UBP Senator Yvette Swan, International Security and Investigations President Carlton Crockwell claimed that the cameras would force the drug dealers out of the area.

And he suggested that other parishes could develop a similar surveillance system if the Warwick model proves successful.

"If dealers know they are being watched they stop,'' he said.

"We need to take back what is rightfully ours. Everyone is saying it's the job of the Police. The Police do a fantastic job but the community in general has a role to play.

"We recognise that the problem will go from one area to another area but we have to start somewhere.'' Mr. Crockwell said that he hopes Government will also become involved in the project and may provide funding for more cameras in the area.

But he could not give a detailed time frame as to when the cameras will be in place.

"This is just the first stage,'' he said.

Both Senator Swan and Ms Smith gave the project their backing, as did Chief Inspector Sinclair White of the Bermuda Police Service.

CRIME CRM DRUGS DGS