A COUNCILLOR says it is “only a matter of time” before someone is seriously hurt amid renewed calls for CCTV at the Malvern Retail park.

Cllr Paul Bennett from Malvern Hills District Council is continuing to investigate why the retail park still has no CCTV, despite a series of arrests being made there in recent weeks.

He has been enquiring with a number of parties including Morrisons, West Mercia Police and Cushman Wakefield, the company which runs the retail park. He said: “I have spoken to Morrisons who said they are clearing up the glass at the bus stop that was smashed, but no one seems to be taking ownership of it.”

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In recent weeks there have been several incidents at the retail park, including four people being arrested for burglary at Morrisons earlier this month and the bus stop outside the store being damaged by vandals late at night. In addition, two brothers from Worcester were arrested in November last year having gone on an hour long theft spree around the retail park.

Cllr Bennett said he wants each of the groups involved to set out exactly what their role is in running the Roman Way site, adding: “These were serious incidents - they should call a meeting and get everyone round a table and discuss what everyone can do. It is only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt at the retail park.”

The retail park is owned officially by Surrey County Council, who bought it as an out of town asset in 2017 for more than £70 million. It is managed by Cushman Wakefield, which takes responsibility for the day to day running of the site.

A spokesman for Cushman and Wakefield said: “Our responsibility is for the upkeep and maintenance of the retail park but it is in everyone’s interests to ensure a safe and friendly environment for visitors to both our site and the adjacent Morrisons store and car park where the bus stop is located.

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"We are meeting shortly with relevant parties to look at options of working together on additional solutions to some of the issues raised by Councillor Bennett."

Morrisons, where some of the anti-social behaviour incidents have occurred, have said it is not their land or their responsibility, though it is understood staff from the branch at the retail park have taken it upon themselves to repair the bus stop, which had glass smashed and pink paint sprayed over it.

Amanda Smith, community services manager at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Malvern Hills District Council does not own nor manage the land at the retail park therefore, any security matters come under the responsibility of the land owners. However, visitor safety is paramount and we do ensure we work alongside key partners to monitor any issues within the area."