A decision to remove six CCTV cameras in Abingdon has been condemned by traders.

Councillors said the decision would not compromise safety, but businesses fear trouble will increase.

The Vale of the White Horse District Council has confirmed the cameras in Stert Street, Peachcroft shopping centre, at the Audlett Drive end of Thameside, Reynolds Way and two in Saxton Road will be decommissioned, as part of a cost-cutting review of the camera network.

However, the council stressed the move did not represent a reduction in service.

Two new cameras will be installed in the Neave Mews flats development as part of an agreement with developers.

But Reg Parshad, owner of Reynolds Supermarket, in Reynolds Way, was worried about the effect on his shop.

He said "They put them in because they're a necessity and they cover the shop. I'm very concerned about this.

"Since the cameras were installed, trouble has died down, but if they go, I'm sure the trouble will come back."

Wojciech Majka, assistant manager of the Broad Face pub, in Bridge Street, said: "There'll be more trouble and I think it will just increase, especially in those areas on the edge of town like Saxton Road, which do not have regular police patrols.

"If anything, there should be more cameras."

The council said the redundant cameras were "operationally deficient" as they were blocked by new buildings, foliage or the areas were covered by other cameras.

Ian Thompson, owner of the Motorist Centre, in the Peachcroft shopping centre, said: "The cameras have proved to be a useful tool for the police and very effective around here.

"The loss of one camera is not going to help policing in Peachcroft. The two we have need to be used to their full potential."

The district council currently pays £140,000 a year for CCTV, which includes maintenance and seven staff who monitor 93 cameras.

The council's Mary de Vere, executive member for community safety, said: "This move reduces the number of cameras, but does not represent a reduction in service.

"Cameras have to be reviewed regularly anyway and if they're not operationally effective, they are not going to contribute to community safety.

"The redundant cameras were selected in consultation with Thames Valley Police and our CCTV staff and were identified because they are of little value in terms of monitoring and tracking.

"Everyone knows the budget at the Vale is very tight and every year we have to identify savings.

"We've not switched off as many cameras as we originally predicted and this is because we felt these were the only cameras we could afford to lose."