A PARISH council has become the first in Suffolk to hire private security guards to patrol the streets of a village blighted by vandals and rowdy behaviour.
A PARISH council has become the first in Suffolk to hire private security guards to patrol the streets of a village blighted by vandals and rowdy behaviour.
Parish councillors in Glemsford voted to introduce the security guards after becoming fed-up with the amount of damage being caused in the village.
It will spend £4,000 on a trial period between and March and May, before deciding whether to employ a private security firm on a permanent basis.
The parish councillors claimed they have been forced into the move because of a low police presence and the lenient way young vandals have been dealt with when caught causing damage.
Some parish councils have praised Glemsford's stance and said they would consider similar action if the scheme was successful.
But others have criticised the move, claiming it was a risky route to take and communities should instead campaign for a higher police presence.
A poll in Glemsford also found 133 residents opposed to the introduction of the security guards, with 73 in favour.
Parish councillors in Long Melford are now liasing with their colleagues in Glemsford to monitor the success of the trial.
N Do you think private security guards are a good idea. Write in with your views to Letters Page, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.
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