GREAT Malvern station is on track to get CCTV coverage costing more than £15,000, if plans by Central Trains are approved.

Local residents say they are pleased the train company has applied for listed building consent for nine cameras, as the station has been a long-term target for the bad behaviour of youngsters.

Two cameras will cover each platform, with individual cameras covering the car park, subway, side gate, booking hall and forecourt.

Margaret Baddeley, who runs Lady Foley's tearooms at the station, said vandals had smashed her windows on numerous occasions. She said the cameras would put her mind at rest.

Arthur Cook, who lives close to the station in Thorngrove Road, said it was about time the cameras were put up.

"It should have been done years ago," he said.

However, Mr Cook said the privacy of nearby residents should be protected and fewer, better quality cameras covering the entire station area would be preferable.

A staff member at the station said CCTV would help tackle anti-social behaviour, which was a constant problem in the evening.

Central Trains spokesman Ged Burgess said installing the cameras was part of a long-term plan and not a direct response to anti-social behaviour:

"However, where we've funded these before it has helped control anti-social behaviour. It does monitor the areas and it will be a great help," he said.

"It certainly made a big difference at the two Worcester stations."

As the station is a listed building, the cameras will be placed on posts, not the walls. They will be monitored on site, from the booking office.

Although Central Trains has proposed a similar scheme for Malvern Link station, Mr Burgess said it had not yet been worked out.