RECYCLING facilities at Wychavon Civic Centre have been attacked by arsonists.

Two paper banks and a metal can bank were both targeted by hooligans on Monday evening.

Pershore firefighters put out the fires, which totally destroyed the can bank and damaged the paper banks, burning about two tonnes of recycled paper in the process. The tarmac of the car park under the banks has also been damaged by melted plastic.

Wychavon's waste management officer Mark Edwards said the metal can bank would cost £375 to replace and the paper banks would have to be restored. "It is a ridiculous thing to do, a complete waste of everybody's time and money - and for what? It's crazy."

He added that the council would be taking the matter very seriously. "We will not tolerate acts of arson and we will always seek to prosecute offenders. We would be grateful for anyone who knows anything about this incident to get in touch with us."

Sub officer of Pershore fire station Chris Parsons said he had there had seemed to be increasing numbers of similar incidents recently. "It causes a lot of mess, damage and disruption," he said.