A BID has been launched to install CCTV cameras in Mirfield using cash allocated for cycleway signs.
Clr Chris Oldfield has called on Kirklees Council to spend money earmarked for the town on the surveillance cameras to reduce crime and people's fears of crime.
He wants money pledged for signs for the Calder Valley Greenway to be transferred so that £100,000 can be spent on four cameras.
It is thought the cost of installing cameras is £25,000 each with a yearly running cost of £5,500 each. It is not clear if this includes the required signs to reassure the public about their useage.
Clr Oldfield is proposing four cameras to watch over the town he claims has been plagued by large gangs of youths meeting and causing distress to residents in the evenings.
He said: "Reported crime in Mirfield is slightly less than the national average, but calls to police about people hanging around and causing a general nuisance is up.
"There are several benefits to installing CCTV in a town centre like Mirfield.
"Of course it is very helpful for police, because it means they can investigate crimes and even respond to incidents which are on-going and spotted by the control room in Huddersfield.
"But as well as that and possibly as important are people's fears of crime and the reassurance CCTV gives."
Clr Oldfield also said the cameras were needed because of the increasing number of people moving to live in Mirfield town centre.
"Because of mill conversions, more and more people are living in Mirfield town centre and the reassurance of CCTV would make them happier," he added.
"The funds are available. All it takes is the will to divert them. If the on-going maintenance cost is not forthcoming from Kirklees then we may have to cover it in the precept."
A questionnaire is being sent to homes and businesses in the town centre and the highways department have agreed to fund an investigation in to the viability of CCTV in Mirfield.
