VANDALS smashed up a Bewdley pensioner's car because he opposed a skate park plan for the town, it has been claimed.

Gordon Hodgkiss said the attack was a direct result of his views on the skate plan, which was last week approved for a spring opening.

Yobs smashed the back window and nearside rear lights on the 71-year-old's Rover 214 car overnight on Thursday.

Mr Hodgkiss, who lives on Shaw Hedge Road, where the three ramps and a shelter will be installed, said: "This, to me, is a result of my stance against the skateboard park installation.

"They know who is for it and who is against it.

"It looks like it has been done with a sledgehammer. Nothing has been stolen. It is pure vandalism."

Mr Hodgkiss had joined residents in opposing the skate plan at Bewdley Town Council and, last week, at the meeting of Wyre Forest District Council.

Residents warned that drunken behaviour and vandalism would increase if the facility was built.

Mr Hodgkiss said: "This is revenge. We lost the case but what if we had won it? They would have burnt this house down. It has been done out of spite - there are no two ways about it.

"By putting this skateboard park here you are adding to the problems we have got but (councillors) can't see that."

The attack followed on from vandalism at an after school club at Wribbenhall First School next to where the proposed skate park will be sited and featured in last week's Shuttle/Times and News.

Vandals broke into two sheds at the school on January 9 where they stole, wrecked and even urinated on toys.

Anyone with information about the vandalism to Mr Hodgkiss's car should contact Kidderminster police on 08457 444888.