The system was installed following complaints about general youth annoyance and alcohol-related problems in the area.

Housing services team leader Gary McKenzie said, “This kind of installation is new ground for the anti-social behaviour team and is made possible by the additional funding received from the Scottish Executive.

“We will evaluate the success of the installations here and at Craigmount Road to see what we can learn.

“We anticipate the system will be in place for at least six months.

“We have funding available to run such installations until 2008.

“This kind of project is not meant to be a quick fix, nor is its main function to catch people in the act.

“What we would really like to do is prevent anti-social behaviour occurring. That would be the best outcome for local people.”

He continued, “The preventative objective is the reason we have gone for overt CCTV installations here and at Craigmount Road.

“We hope the signs and the cameras themselves will put people off causing distress or alarm for fear of being caught.”

Housing convener Councillor George Regan said, “The complaints ranged from noise nuisance to groups causing bother and alcohol-related problems and it is hoped the new, highly visible CCTV system will help prevent anti-social behaviour and make residents and the public feel safer by its presence.”