A CROPTHORNE man is calling for a change in the law after claiming he was threatened with violence and had three cars vandalised when he objected about drink drivers.

Horace Lampitt, of Middle Lane, wants the tax laws changed so cider producers will have to pay higher duty on any alcohol they brew.

He made his appeal this week in a bid to stop drink drivers who, he says, are endangering children and people in Cropthorne and the surrounding area.

Mr Lampitt, who is disabled, claims people regularly gather at a spot in Cropthorne two or three times a week to drink locally-brewed cider before driving home.

He said: "I have been responsible for three convictions for drink driving by cider drinkers after seeing them driving off. I gave evidence in court.

"The trouble is it doesn't stop them. They come to have a cheap drink because cider can be made so cheaply." He has vowed to continue his fight and is refusing to be intimidated by people who he claims have damaged his cars and threatened him in his home.

He said since he began reporting incidents to the police he has been threatened and abused.

"Once they came and banged on the house," he said. "They were banging on the windows and doors and shouting before they smashed the rear windscreen on my Ford Fiesta."

On another occasion, he added, the windows were smashed on a Mini he owned and it was smeared with paint. "I believe if the law is changed to paying more duty on cider it will put these people off," Mr Lampitt continued.

"This must be going on all over the county. Millions of pounds must be lost through duty not being paid on it."

At present, cider makers can produce 7,000 litres without paying duty. Those registered with customs and excise can also produce small amounts duty free providing they can show it is for domestic consumption.

Sgt Paul Crumpton of Evesham Police said people were not breaking the law by gathering somewhere to drink, providing the cider was not being sold.

He said: "There are quite probably a number of these types of establishments across the Vale, however I would offer a word of warning to those who use these, particularly if they are using vehicles to get there and back.

"The road policing unit will be given any information that we have in relation to the locations of these premises to target those who continue to drink and drive.

"I would also actively encourage anyone with information about these places to contact me on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 and I will pass that on to the appropriate officers to deal with it."

PC Paul Adams of Evesham Police added: "We are aware of complaints in relation to allegations of drinking and driving at Cropthorne and the beat manager for that area PC Roy Storr is also aware. We are monitoring the situation."