TOWN leaders have been warned that the escalating annual cost of repairing damage caused by vandals in the district could top £20,000 by next year.

Wychavon District Council has spent £8,500 fixing and replacing damaged items in recreation areas in the last four months.

Since March, £3,197 has been spent in Droitwich repairing facilities in Vines Park, Steynors Avenue, the Lido Park and St Peter's Fields.

A report for councillors says vandalism could claim nearly half of the £47,000 budget set aside for maintaining district parks.

The report adds: "The most prevalent type of vandalism is damage to fences and gates, closely followed by play areas and bins."

No costs are shown for graffiti because most of it is removed by the council's contractors at no extra charge.

Wychavon's environment committee was due to meet last night to consider injecting £20,000 into the budget to cover the costs of vandalism.

Committee chairman Cllr Don Lawley (Con, Droit.South) said: "It's a pity some of our youth cannot agree to conduct themselves in a proper manner, then money could be spent elsewhere in the town."