STRATFORD Council has turned down an application for the installation of security measures in an area of Alcester which had previously been labelled "a complete mess" by town councillors.

Planning chiefs rejected proposals for 12 bollards to be placed in front of the One Stop Shop in Hopkins Precinct.

They would have been made of galvanised steel and covered by black plastic.

A district council report originally stated the bollards would not be out of character with the area and would not cause a hazard to pedestrians and people in wheelchairs and recommended the plans for approval.

But Alcester Mayor Wendy Weatherhead said: "The council felt that if these bollards had been installed it would just be a hey day for people wanting to do graffiti.

"They would have just got chipped away by vandals and we really feel there is no need for them.

"If the company which owns the shop wants to stop ram-raiders, there is no need.

"There are already litter bins and seats in the way which are causing more than enough obstruction to potential ram-raiders.

"We also feel they would have been seen as an obstacle course for any in-line skaters or skate boarders in the area which could have caused a potential danger for pedestrians, especially the elderly or those in wheelchairs"