FOLLOWING concerns of anti-social behaviour in Charford and Rock Hill police patrols have been stepped up.

The advertiser reported that councillors from Bromsgrove were asking for an increase in police protection for residents following an increase crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Councillors Michael Thompson, Chris Bloore and Sean Shannon, wrote to Sgt David King of West Mercia police, asking to see more officers on the streets.

They said recent incidents included a rise in boy racers, vandalism, and used condoms being thrown in to people's gardens.

Michael Thompson, district councillor for Rock Hill and candidate for Charford Ward, said that if ignored these issues were "very likely" to escalate creating worse problems in the future.

"Most recently, residents have brought to our attention the frequency with which young gangs have been gathering in the alleyway that links Housman Close and Rock Hill," he said.

"The boundaries of the houses adjacent to the alleyway have been damaged, items (including livestock) have been stolen from gardens and used contraception has been thrown into residents’ gardens."

He added: "Our concerns are also for those who use this path. This is a pathway used by the elderly and young school children."

He said the increase was good news and he was aware of the pressures the police are under due to cuts in frontline services and remain supportive of the force.