VILLAGERS are being urged to be patient after raising concerns about a nearby hostel.

Wythall residents claim Wythall Lodge Hostel, Alcester Road, is at the root of antisocial behaviour.

At a meeting at Wythall Village Hall on Tuesday, April 12, residents submitted written evidence of vandalism, graffiti and verbal attacks to the village's police.

But a concerned councillor who is fighting on their behalf said they were expecting "too much, too soon" from the hostel.

Bromsgrove Councillor John Gardener, of Wythall South ward, said: "If the hostel closes in Wythall it will only open elsewhere, which doesn't deal with the problem."

He promised to put residents' views forward to the council but urged them to be patient.

"These things take time and police and members of the trust that run the hostel are doing whatever they can to improve the situation."

Police had made two arrests and at least two people had been banned from visiting Wythall Lodge Hostel.

"Realistically, their powers are limited and they can only act within the confines of the law," said Mr Gardener.