PEOPLE in Upton-upon-Severn have been urged to become more involved with youngsters in a quest to stamp out vandalism in the town.

They were warned at last night's town council meeting the problem could worsen if the community does not become more involved.

Young people needed something to do and something to value, but they also needed to be trusted, said Upton beat manager PC Mark Taylor.

"Many youngsters feel that people in this town don't want anything to do with them. They say they are bored and there is nothing to do and that could account for the criminal damage," he said.

"If we don't listen to them much more, things could get worse."

His comments followed complaints of weekend hooliganism. Solutions discussed at the meeting included youth clubs and shelters, Neighbourhood Watch networks, better parenting and more input from the youths themselves.

"They moan about vandalism but there is apathy out there," said one of 14 members of the public at the meeting, Bruce White.

Insp Sean Kent said the appointment of a new community support officer, Emma Burrows, was one step towards providing a police presence and forming better links between police and the community.

"Her powers deal with quality of life issues. I think it's a positive step forward," he said.

He said the town had seen a 22 per cent reduction in crime over the last three years, with 183 crimes last year including 28 burglaries, 29 vehicle offences, 24 violent crimes and 102 other incidents including criminal damage.

Former Scout master Robert Tomkins thought the town desperately needed a team of paid youth workers, but district councillor Sue Adeney said young people did not want something imposed.

They should be encouraged to help create whatever they wanted and take responsibility for it.