A COUNCIL is to get tough on vandals who are costing ratepayers thousands of pounds for repairs.

Plans could include "street wardens" and rewards for information leading to prosecution of the young offenders.

The Ribble Valley Council's policy and finance committee heard that vandalism and anti-social behaviour were costing a fortune in repairs to litter bins, public benches and toilets, bus shelters and children's play areas.

Director of commercial services John Heap said there had been a marked increase in the vandalism.

"Council property is having to be repaired or replaced due to vandalism and offensive graffiti, using spray paint and indelible marker pens, is making areas look untidy, intimidating and unattractive to residents and visitors," he told the meeting.

Complaints were regularly being received from residents living near children's play areas, he added.

"A precise figure of what vandalism is costing the council each year is hard to establish, but a significant proportion of any particular budget is now being spent on repairs or replacements," he revealed.

Councillors agreed to pursue a "no nonsense" strategy to put the squeeze on the young trouble-makers, including rewards for information leading to prosecutions, by-laws to control activities on play areas and patrolling of council-owned land and property.

They also want to hold an emergency meeting with police, youth workers and head teachers.

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