The way is clear for crime cameras to be installed on Court Street with the reincorporation of Quantum Communications.

But is unclear whether Government has budgeted for the work - likely to be in six figures - in the next Budget due in February.

The Corporation of Hamilton had been keen to extend cameras to Court Street but could not do so because Quantum, which owns the fibre-optic ring in Hamilton, had been closed since 1999.

This month Belco sold its shares to a mystery buyer who is set to revive Quantum.

Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Roger Sherratt said the Corporation was in talks with Police, Government and the new Quantum owners over putting in closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) in Court Street.

He said: "They have all expressed an interest adding to the system. It's now a matter under review."

He said locations for the cameras were worked out three years ago but requirements might have changed since.

Mr. Sherratt said the fibre-optic ring which circles Hamilton does not take in Court Street so work extra work would be needed, including trenching.

Money would also have to be found for the extra cameras and staff to monitor them, but he said cameras had helped catch criminals in Hamilton.

Government would have to fund the bulk of the work but it is unclear whether there is money in the Budget for the work. CCTV cameras are monitored by the Police.

Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister said: "CCTV is going to Court Street. It's simply a matter of getting funding, buying the equipment and getting on with it. There's no one involved who's saying no."

He said funding would have to come out of his Ministry but he was unable to say immediately where it would come from. He said: "Hopefully we will see this before we get to the middle of next year. That would be our target."

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin said money should not be a problem. At the weekend a mob in Court Street threw bottles at the Police as they tried to arrest men for fighting.

She said: "Crime is a very serious problem and we have to take it seriously. If anything could be more important than securing public safety I would like to know what it is.

"We have a lawless society to the extent we have never had before and we need to step in and do something about it immediately."