Company representatives in Aldwick Road are collecting a petition for CCTV cameras to be installed in the area.

They hope their action will persuade the authorities to pay for the anti-crime measure.

It is estimated that the cost of two cameras would be some £24,000.

Aldwick Business Association chairman Tim Holland said he was hopeful that everyone in the area would back the campaign.

"This is for the benefit of the community as well as the businesses," he explained.

"We have a really extensive residential population around us. All these factors should be taken into account. There's a very strong case for putting up the cameras."

He said the association wanted the cameras placed at the seaward end of Nyewood Lane and the Victoria Drive crossroads.

The first would provide coverage of the Marine Park Gardens, the western promenade and along Nyewood Lane to its junction with Aldwick Road.

The second would ensure Park Road and Aldwick Road were covered.

Mr Holland presented the association's case at a meeting in Aldwick on Tuesday.

The need for CCTV coverage was one of the issues which prompted the association to be formed earlier this year.

But he said the general mood among the 30 members was that they should not have to pay towards the cameras.

They believed they made enough contributions in taxes and rates to cover the cost.

Meanwhile, Aldwick Parish Council took a giant step towards the cameras' installation by agreeing to set aside £12,000 in next year's budget for the project.

But the councillors agreed that the money would only be spent if other groups contributed towards the cost.

Cllr Brian Dodd said: "We should put in up to £12,000 in partnership with others. This is an area right on the edge of Aldwick."

Sussex Police, Bognor Regis Town Council and Aldwick Road businesses would be those also expected to contribute.

Most of the shops in Aldwick Road are sited just inside the western boundary of Bognor Regis Town Council's area.

Those in Nyewood Lane are in Aldwick.