THE growing problem of vandalism and criminal damage in Upton will be considered at a meeting later this month.

The annual town meeting will include a public debate on the issue and the possible use of CCTV cameras.

Vandalism and bad behaviour are on the increase, according to Upton town councillors. They believe action must be taken.

Councillors met with police in December to look at ways of combating the problem. As a result, the police agreed to periodic foot patrols in the worst hit areas.

The town council has also looked at offering cash rewards to people who provide information leading to the identification and conviction of the culprits.

Vandalism incidents over the past year have included broken gravestones in the cemetery, cracked stained-glass windows in the chapel, broken equipment at the children's playground and even damage to Armistice Day wreaths.

Public spaces have also been littered with shattered glass, beer cans and rubbish.

Upton Tourism and Trade Association is keen to see CCTV cameras installed.

Chairman Bill Dovey said he had contacted Malvern Hills District Council to see if cameras like those in Great Malvern and Barnards Green could be put in Upton, but was told there were no plans at present.

"Something needs to be done. There's a real problem here," he said.

The tourism and trade association is hoping the public debate on vandalism will lead to CCTV cameras being considered.

The annual town meeting will be held at the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, April 26, at 7.30pm, with the public debate beginning at 8.20pm.