CCTV cameras protect not only our town’s businesses, but help the police collate information if an incident occurs.

They are extremely important for officers, as they try and bring together enough information to either catch – or charge – a person involved in any criminal behaviour.

This may be advertising the fact again – but Knutsford has long been a target for crime.

Its affluent status and its handy transport links mean it has often been the place for criminals to come looking.

But from next Tuesday, April 1, if a CCTV camera breaks, it won’t be replaced.

If something happens in the town centre during the day or at night, those cameras won’t be monitored.

This can’t be progress, can it?

Cheshire East Council has decided it does not want to pay for them any more, and Knutsford Town Council has argued it is the police’s responsibility.

But with budgets cut across every public service, surely CCTV cameras should be ring-fenced.

The Guardian expects someone will take advantage of this situation.

Let’s just hope it does not cost one of our town businesses – or residents – dear.