A REWARD could be offered for information leading to the arrest of arsonists in Alcester.

This was just one option put forward at an urgent meeting called by town councillors to catch lawbreakers who have persistently vandalised and set fire to buildings around the town.

Alcester Inspector Tim Bailey was asked to the meeting last Monday and spoke for about an hour about the problems.

After the meeting, he said it had been 'very positive'.

He said: "I had some ideas and some possible solutions we could adopt together.

"Issues ranged from parking problems to fires - there has been a history of recent fires in Alcester.

"It was all very positive. We had some good ideas which we can take forward if we suffer sustained complaints.

"One of the ideas I put forward which I left them to consider was working in partnership between ourselves, the town council and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue and offer a reward for information leading the arrest of arsonists in the town.

"Someone in the town must have some idea of who's causing these fires.

"I can't imagine these people live too far from Alcester - it's a more frequent occurrence in the town than anywhere I've policed in the county."

But town councillor Nina Knapman said the idea of putting up a reward to catch criminals would be like reverting back to medieval times.

"The town council will have to think very carefully about this option," she said.

"It worries me that people may ring up for the wrong reasons and what does it say about our society today?

"I would much rather see more police presence in the town than offering a reward," added Mrs Knapman.

Other subjects discussed were how to deal with travellers and abandoned vehicles.

Insp Bailey said: "It won't be a regular meeting - I have a large geographical area to cover and I'm not one who thinks all time is best spent in meetings.

"We have a positive relationship with the town council which we hope to progress further."