TRADERS in Brighton's St James's Street are furious after being told they will have to contribute towards two new CCTV cameras.

They fear they could be asked to find around £5,000 towards the £45,000 cost. The crime-busting cameras are to be placed at Upper Rock Gardens and half way along St James's Street. Mario Lee, St James's Street traders' chairman, said: "We were told we would not have to contribute any money - it will be difficult for small traders who are already struggling to stump up any money the council is asking for." He was told this week that the bulk of the cash will come from Europe through the URBAN programme. The council has been granted £3 million through URBAN and representatives from Kemp Town, Whitehawk and the St James's Street Forum have been meeting to consider how it should be spent. A decision is expected on Wednesday. Mr Lee said: "I am furious because it seems that the goalposts are moved every time we try to deal with the council." But a council spokesman today said: "All other systems in shopping areas have had contributions from traders."

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