PEOPLE living in Ledbury's Southend hope a major new lighting scheme, scheduled for next month, will help reduce vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Ten large ornamental lamps will be placed on both sides of the road, providing added security.

Southend resident Richard Surman, who said his car had been "bashed in four or five times", welcomed the news of the extra lighting.

"I must be one of 10 or 11 people who have had cars damaged there," he said.

"There's a constant trickle of petty vandalism, and extra lighting would improve things no end."

Police said there had been recent cases of car scratching, tampering with windscreen wipers, aerials and mirrors.

"If funds were available and extra CCTV camera were proposed, the Southend might be one of the places to benefit," said Sgt Bob Wilson.

"You get a better definition of people and the colour of clothing."

The new lights in Southend are being paid for out of a £28,500 fund to enhance Ledbury. Money has come from Advantage West Midlands, Herefordshire Council, Ledbury Town Council, Ledbury in Bloom and the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.