BIDFORD residents are thinking of hiring their own security guard to protect their property.

Homeowners in High Street are so fed up with damage to their cars and houses, they are considering paying a private firm.

Mark Smith, who recently found a petrol bomb outside his home, explained: "We are going to see how much it will cost and we think it would only work out at about £3 a week for every house in the High Street.

"But the trouble is some people don't see why they should have to pay when they already pay their council tax."

Police were called out to deal with problems on Friday and Saturday nights and on Sunday, the fire brigade were called out when the toilet block on Big Meadow was set alight.

Over the past few months, paint stripper has been sprayed onto vehicles and they have also been scratched. Others have experienced damage to property and plants.

Alcester police chief Insp Tim Bailey met residents two weeks ago.

He said: "I wasn't aware of this proposal but I'd like the people concerned to contact me so we could discuss the issues.

"If they can see comfort and benefit in it, I wouldn't object but it would be worth them speaking to me to see what else we could do.

"There is concern from residents but crime rates in Bidford are generally low. It is unfortunate there is a small group of individuals making life a misery for others."