A VICTIM of graffiti artists is calling on residents and shopkeepers to help Droitwich Spa crack down on vandals.

Roy Hadland, of Hadland Auto Tec, discovered his North Street premises had been attacked by spray painters when he returned to work after the Christmas holiday break.

Although he has been targeted before, the former Droitwich Spa mayor and Tory town councillor, said this was the worst attack ever - causing £500 worth of damage.

An underpass near his firm was also daubed with paint.

Mr Hadland contacted the police, who are now investigating the attack which is believed to have taken place between Friday December 21 and Thursday December 27.

The established businessman said: "It's taxpayers' money which is spent on cleaning up this mess.

"I urge residents to be more vigilant so we can prevent graffiti artists spoiling our town.

"They are at work everywhere and shopkeepers must be particularly careful of who they sell paint products to."

In a bid to tackle the vandalism, Droitwich Spa Town Council has organised a meeting to discuss anti-social behaviour.

Tomorrow's meeting will see representatives from the police, residents' groups and businesses joining local politicians, including Droitwich's Tory MP, Peter Luff, at the community hall, in Heritage Way, to thrash out ideas.

Town council leader Cllr Pam Davey (Con, Droit.South) told the Advertiser: "The situation has got totally out of hand in Droitwich and this latest incident illustrates the importance of the meeting planned for January 3."

Spa beat manager PC Alun Jones said: "Whatever the graffiti artists themselves believe, this past-time is criminal damage and unacceptable behaviour as far as we and many other people are concerned."

He added: "We have been taking a zero tolerance approach to this crime and I can assure the community that those found to be involved will be dealt with accordingly."