CASH-strapped Wyre Forest District Council has been forced to shell out £22,000 for a new wood chipper after its machine was stolen.

Monday's meeting of its executive heard the machine had been stolen from the Green Street depot when four men forced their way in through a razor wire fence on Wednesday, March 13.

Police are investigating the theft, while depot security is being reviewed.

A replacement chipper has been hired to carry out essential work since then.