THREE headstones were pushed over in the cemetery at Upton-upon-Severn this week, adding fuel to a smouldering public debate.

Vandalism is a continuing concern, with a catalogue of crime including broken shop windows, hanging baskets torn down, gravestones broken, vases and chapel windows smashed, seats set on fire, and an allotment and playground equipment damaged.

Next week's annual town meeting is likely to be a stormy affair, with calls for closed circuit television cameras and better policing.

The headstones in the Rectory Road cemetery are believed to have been pushed over between mid-morning on Monday and late afternoon on Tuesday.

"These incidents are highly sensitive for the local community as well as being distressing for the families concerned," said a spokesman for Malvern police, appealing for witnesses.

The chairman of Upton Tourism and Trade Association, Bill Dovey, has called for cameras to combat vandalism.

"I was told they were not being considered for Upton at the moment, but we are part of the Malvern Hills district and should be treated as such.

"Perhaps with some pressure from the townspeople it might be done," he said.

Complaints surfaced at this week's town council meeting after district councillor Mary Wilkinson welcomed news of a new community warden and community safety officer for Upton.

Tim Perry said the town needed more police in Upton.

"I don't know why we let this go on," he said.

The town meeting will be held in the Memorial Hall on Tuesday at 7.30pm.

Anyone with information about this week's vandalism in the cemetery should call Malvern Police on 08457 444888, quoting 345S/190405.