ALCESTER councillors are calling for something to be done about an area of the town which has been labelled a "disgrace" and "a danger to pedestrians".

But the owners of the Hopkins Precinct site, Alcester Properties Ltd, have blamed vandalism by Alcester youths who, they claim, are trying to destroy the hard work and investmen which has gone into developing the area.

At a recent town council meeting, several councillors expressed concerns about the precinct off Kinwarton Road, which they feel has been allowed to deteriorate.

They said the area looked as if it was in a state of disrepair.

Councillor Bill Malin said: "Hopkins Precinct is getting worse. Hanging baskets have still got their contents in from 12 months ago.

"An area of garden which was created was a complete waste of time. We want it either taken up or paved over because it is a disgrace.

"And there are broken slabs all over the pavement in front of the shops. Something has to been done about the problems."

Former mayor Eric Payne: "Not only does the area look bad, but these slabs are kicked up every time you walk over them so they are causing a danger to pedestrians."

Mr Malin added: "If people are going to shop there, which they do as it can be a busy little precinct, the surroundings should be made more attractive and, more importantly, safer."

A spokesman for Alcester Properties Limited said: "We've pointed out that we constantly monitor the state of the precinct.

"But the treatment of this area by town youngsters is absolutely appalling. There is so much damage being caused.

"We invested a great deal of money into Hopkins Precinct and vandalism is appearing all the time. The situation is so bad, we have had to put razor wire up behind the site.

"We're going to repave the slabs and pave over the garden area, where the plants we put in disappeared shortly afterwards.

"We've really done our very best with Hopkins Precinct and this is the treatment it gets."

It was also recently announced that an application has been made by T and S Stores Plc, to introduce security bollards in front of the One Stop Shop in Hopkins Precinct.