Civic chiefs are set to look at plans to enhance security measures on a key Weymouth cycling trail, the Dorset Echo can reveal.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council is to work with the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill to develop a business case in a bid to develop a CCTV system on the Rodwell Trail path and cycleway after a spate of crimes including violent and drug-related incidents.

It comes after an online petition which was set up by Portland resident Amy-Jayne Kilvert for CCTV cameras, better lighting and regular patrols of uniformed officers on the path gained around 38,000 signatures.

Miss Kilvert, who has relatives who live near the trail in Wyke, said she was motivated to launch the petition after a particularly shocking incident in March when a teenage boy was filmed being beaten up by a group of young people.

The Dorset Echo has also reported in March about how the local community was left in shock after a ‘sick’ video emerged showing a gang of youths violently attacking a 15-year-old boy in Weymouth.

A 14 year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident and has since been released under investigation.

Alongside this, the Dorset Echo also reported last May about how hundreds of needles were discovered by locals during a spring clean-up of the trial prompting calls for more police patrols to curb drug taking.

Under the plans, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council would undertake a review of the current CCTV provision in the town ahead of the council merger next year and develop a business case which would investigate ways on how it could be improved and extended to other areas of the town.

Councillor Mike Byatt, who speaks on community safety for the borough council, said that the Rodwell Trail was being looked at strongly stressing that it was an area “of concern to the local public”.

He added that it was about “forward planning” ahead of the unitary merger next march adding that the council community safety team were working closely with the police about how they could improve the trial and develop a strong business case in consultation with the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner.

Cllr Byatt added that the study is expected to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and cost of installing CCTV on the trial.

Councillor Jeff Cant, leader of the council, added that the plans were at the “top” of the council priority list for spending.

Cllr Cant added that they did have the funds available to potentially fund the project with a joint deal potentially on the table with PCC Martyn Underhill.

PCC Martyn Underhill, who is also backing the council’s plan, added: “I have met with the campaign team who raised some of the concerns of local residents and I understand the importance of all the partner agencies involved working together to help make the residents and visitors that use the trail feel safe.”

Sam Wait, Chairman of Friends of the Rodwell Trail described the CCTV concept as “great” but insisted that a more visible police presence would be even better to deter antisocial behaviour or other activities.

A business case is expected to be put forward next month.