A REMARK by Wychavon councillor Martin Jennings that yobbism rules Evesham has divided councillors.

At a recent planning meeting where a scheme to convert the rundown former Kwik Save building in Port Street into a snooker hall and social club was turned down, coun Jennings said he could not support the plans because of the potential nuisance to neighbours.

He asked: "Is it not a great pity that we have to bow down to the yob element?"

Many other schemes, he added, which might have enhanced the town had been opposed by residents because of the fear that they would attract rowdiness and vandalism.

Despite the dilapidated Kwik Save building being an eyesore, the perceived alternative of noisy clients leaving the spruced-up building in the early hours drunk and disorderly was far more undesirable to neighbours.

In another area of his patch in Evesham, coun Jennings continued, residents wanted a playground moved because of vandalism.

Former chairman of Wychavon planning committee, John Payne who is a district and town councillor said: "Evesham is regrettably becoming very untidy and attitudes are more slovenly than I think they were a few years ago."

Chamber of commerce chairman, Robert Johnson, countered: "We should give these so-called 'yobs' a chance. The Market Square plan should have been given a fair trial with temporary planning permission to be withdrawn if trouble arose.

"I do not think rowdiness and vandalism in Evesham is any worse than in any other town. I live slap bang in the centre of Evesham and go out late at night so I am talking from experience."

The Mayor of Evesham, Richard Hicks, agreed, saying: "Most of these problems are perceived. I work at one of the town centre pubs and am regularly in the town late at night and early morning. Evesham must have a decent night life. If the minority misbehave it's a police matter."