Chorley Council has unveiled plans to install six state-of-the-art CCTV cameras around Astley Hall, just yards from where the 15-year-old received numerous stab wounds.

The Parklands pupil nearly died in the frenzied attack and suffered a stroke because of the severity of her injuries.

Locals welcomed the CCTV scheme but say they would be happier still if the cameras covered the dark footpath where the incident took place.

Dave Henderson, landlord of the Baron's Rest pub in Astley Village, said: "I totally welcome the initiative but I think it is crazy that the cameras aren't covering the area where Jessica was stabbed.

"In general I think it's a good idea and if the cameras prevent at least one other family from going through what Jessica's family went through, they will be worth their weight in gold."

The publican believes the camera system should be expanded to include the footpaths around the park and he also wants floodlights to further protect residents and park-goers.

He said: "It is pitch black on those footpaths, I should know because I walk my dog around there in the evenings."

Chorley Council bosses stress that the scheme is part of the ongoing £2m restoration project and not in response to the Jessica Knight incident.

Coun John Walker, Chorley Council's executive member for people, said: "Astley Park is a fantastic recreational facility for all the family and it will be even better once the £2m restoration and improvement project is complete.

"The safety of visitors and staff and the security of the buildings has been a vital part of this project and we have been planning to install CCTV and other security measures for some time."

The scheme, which was designed in conjunction with English Heritage, includes installing eight loudspeaker horns around the 400-year-old Elizabethan hall and nearby coach house.

Work is expected to be completed by summer 2009.

- Kristofer Beddar, 21 of Daisy Hill Drive, Adlington, Chorley, is accused of stabbing Jessica Knight. A trial is set for December 3 at Preston Crown Court .