CCTV cameras for Barnards Green and Malvern Link moved a step nearer this week - days after a wave of vandalism struck firms in the Green.

On Tuesday (September 19), Malvern Hills District Council's executive board agreed to spend £2,000 on a full consultation with traders and the public.

In the early hours of Friday (September 15) a number of premises in the green were attacked by vandals and had their windows smashed.

Fishmonger Mike Sherriff, one of the victims, said: "The week was bad enough with the fuel crisis hitting trade, then this has to happen. It makes you wonder why you bother."

Also hit were a Chinese restaurant, chemist, carpet dealer and several offices.

Mr Sherriff said: "Everyone is just sick of things like this happening and we want to see CCTV. When we were told there was money for improving the Green, CCTV was the top of our list."

Chase member Coun Alex Stewart-Cleary, a member of the executive board, said: "This survey will make people realise we're taking this seriously. We're 100 per cent in favour of this.

"CCTV is not the great answer to everything - only an increase of police officers on the ground can do that - but it makes a real difference.

"Since CCTV was installed in Malvern, vandalism has decreased and you can see the difference. There are just so many people around.

"I get so many women telling me that when the winter comes they just don't like to visit the shops when it is dark. CCTV is one of the tools that can be used to decrease fear of crime."