THE owner of a toy shop has made an impassioned plea for the installation of security cameras in Barnards Green.

Sue Mackintosh, a partner in Smacks Toys, spoke out after the business, and a nearby chemists, were once again targeted by vandals.

She says urgent action is now needed to get CCTV up and running after a capping stone, estimated to be about 2ft by 2ft, was taken from a nearby house and thrown through the window of the toy shop in Barnards Green Road, last Thursday night.

"All you need first thing in the morning on what you know is going to be a busy Friday is a window smashed," said Mrs Macintosh.

"This is the second time this has happened through the night. The last time was about a year ago. It will cost £1,200 to replace the shattered window. We're insured but we'll still have to pay the excess.

"Something needs to be done. The council has said they are putting CCTV in but I don't know what's happening. I've been fighting for it for two and a half years. I know the police drive through the Green but they never seem to see anything."

Malvern Hills District Council community safety officer Jenny Lawrence said that CCTV cameras for Barnards Green and Malvern Link were on their way.

She said: "We've heard from the Government office that our bid has been successful, although it still has to be ratified by the council.

"We've got to look at various options for monitoring the cameras, although hopefully it won't be long before they are in place."

Police confirmed that the attack on Smack Toys had been reported to them, along with another incident of criminal damage at Barnards Chemist on Saturday, December 1, where someone had kicking it the front window.

Anyone with any information about either incident is asked to contact police on 01905 723888.