A campaign has been launched to help a Sussex town get its own CCTV system.

More than 1,500 people have already signed a petition, organised by Storrington parish councillor Kevin Boocock.

The move follows a sharp increase in vandalism, thefts and assaults in the town over the past year.

Sussex Police say it does not have the resources to monitor the area as regularly as residents and councillors want.

Coun Boocock plans to write to the Home Office, asking for funds for three CCTV cameras for the town next month.

He is keen to get as much support from residents as possible.

He said: "I have already received a lot of backing from the council, the police and residents and I am hopeful the bid will be successful.

"The situation has been steadily getting worse in the town and people are getting fed up with it.

"We hope the cameras will help catch criminals in the act and work as a deterrent."

Recent incidents in the town included a stabbing, fights, vandalism to private property, arson attacks and graffiti.

On another occasion, a duck and duckling were stoned to death on the town centre pond.

Coun Boocock said: "It is beyond belief how people can do this sort of thing.

"It's time we had the measures in place to catch these criminals in the act.

"The response to the petition has been extremely positive but I need to get as many signatures as possible to strengthen the bid for the cameras.

"I have been going around the town, talking to people and asking them to sign the petition for days now.

"I'm sure there are still some who might be interested in signing but had not had the chance yet."

A copy of the petition will be left at the library and Coun Boocock says that he will visit the town as often as possible over the next three months.

The cost of the cameras is expected to be about £120,000.

Mr Boocock is hopeful the grant will cover the bulk of the cost, with the council and local businesses raising the balance.

The three cameras will be installed outside the library in High Street and at the shopping centre.

Richard Hoare, CCTV manager for Sussex Police, is backing the move.

He said: "Storrington has always been a quiet, genteel town.

"But they have had an increase in vandalism and public disturbances, which is worrying people.

"Cameras will alert us to incidents more quickly and provide reliable video evidence at trials.

"I am fully behind Mr Boocock's bid and I hope he will succeed."