AN inquiry into the conduct of an acting chief constable over the installation of Open Circuit Television in Monmouth is to remain confidential.

The security system, that uses mobile phone technology, was operated by Risca-based Shawley Ltd and purchased by Monmouth Town Council at a cost of around £30,000 following the advice given to them by the acting chief constable Richard Thomas.

The system was installed during 2000, but it was never formally adopted because the images were not of a quality that could be used by the judicial system.

Mr Thomas subsequently became a director of Shawley Ltd on his retirement.

Monmouth MP Huw Edwards said: "There is serious public interest in the nature and costs of the contract to install OCTV and the part played by Mr Thomas."

A Gwent Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that the chief constable of Gwent, Keith Turner, did indeed initiate a full criminal investigation relating to the previous acting chief constable, Richard Thomas, and his involvement in OCTV developments.

"That independent inquiry was conducted by officers of the West Mercia Police, and once completed, was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service.

"Having considered the evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service concluded that there should be no criminal proceedings.

"As with other criminal investigations, the report is subject to public interest immunity privilege and therefore has not been published."

A spokesman for Monmouth Town Council said: "Some of the equipment that was purchased can be recycled and we are looking to sell some of the cameras to another local authority in England."