A SALVATION Army captain has dismissed fears he and his wife are leaving Kidderminster because of harassment and vandalism.

Ian Mountford said he and Tracey are taking a sabbatical and plan to move back to their native Stoke-on-Trent to spend time with their three children after two years in the town.

"People have got the wrong end of the stick and seem to think we're leaving because of the trouble we've had," he added.

The Mountfords have been in Kidderminster for two years following a spell in Leamington Spa and have overseen the start of an £80,000 fund-raising campaign for essential repairs to the Salvation Army centre in Jerusalem Walk.

It has been plagued by vandalism for several years, while many feared an incident on Sunday in which the police had to be called to deal with a large gang of youths who were causing trouble during a service had sparked the decision.

But Captain Mountford said it was one that had been taken weeks ago.

"I've been in ministry for 10 years and feel ready for some time out. We're finding it difficult to balance with our family life. We're both full time and it's quite an intense job."

Salvation Army officers will take over until new Captains Ian and Rena Young arrive in the summer, while external work will begin on the centre next month.