COUNCILLORS have reluctantly refused plans to strengthen windows of a listed building in Worcester plagued by vandalism.

Plans were submitted to Worcester City Council to install security glazing on ground floor windows at the gatehouse and warden's house of Berkeley's Almshouses on The Foregate, Worcester.

The aim of the scheme was to address problems of people throwing stones at the windows on the site.

But English Heritage strongly opposed the plans, which it says would harm the appearance of the Grade I listed building, which lies within the historic city conservation area.

It said there were other options to protect the building's windows.

Speaking at a meeting of Worcester City Council's planning committee, Councillor Mike Layland said he had had four complaints about incidents of vandals breaking windows in the city in no less than three days.

"These sort of incidents seem to be increasing and I think the sooner we catch these vandals and deal with them, the better," he said.

"It is a pity to see a building of this quality being wrecked by morons," said Councillor Gary Kibblewhite.

Councillors reluctantly refused the application.

"I agree with my colleagues. But it is quite clear that this application is not going to go very far, so we have got no choice but to support the officer's recommendations to refuse," said Councillor Paul Denham.