DECISIVE steps to protect the residents across Callington from anti-social behaviour have been made by the town council, who is employing security patrols to check on open spaces across the parish.

At the council's outside services committee meeting, it was agreed to employ outside security to patrol various sites in the town including the Saltash Road Car Park, Hay Road allotments and Beeching Park in Kelly Bray. 

The patrols will have the ability to gather information that could help the police in issuing notices to stop the disruption caused to residents from small groups of people racing their cars and playing loud music.

Committee chairperson Cllr Denise Winfindale said: 'After numerous complaints regarding the anti-social behaviour at the Saltash Road Car Park, the committee voted unanimously to source outside help to tackle the problem. 

'It was discussed at length and it was decided to also include other areas around the town which have been subject to vandalism, costing the taxpayer money which should be used elsewhere. 

'We understand the police have been targeting these areas, which we are grateful for, but with the cutbacks in manpower we hope this decision will assist them too.   

'I would still request people to be vigilant to stop this petty minority causing the town such a problem and report any incidents to the police and obtain a log number'.

Her comments were echoed by town and Cornwall councillor for Callington, Andrew Long.

'This action will help the people in the town whose lives have been blighted by a very small minority of people who seem intent on disturbing residents in certain areas,' he said.

'The benefit of this will be that the security personnel will be able to provide evidence for the police to pursue repeat offenders and that will enable them to seize the vehicles of these people.'

Signs have already gone up across the town warning people of the patrols and these will start almost immediately.

The security patrols will initially be trialled for eight weeks and cost £55 a week. Visits will be made randomly.