PRIVATE security guards could be hired to patrol parks to stop vandalism, drug abuse and antisocial behaviour.

Hawkwell Parish Council is trialling the idea which would see families in the village charged 12p each month.

Council bosses say the move - which is being trialled for three months - is being proposed following a catalogue of incidents.

But the plan has come up against some opposition with former council bosses raising concerns about the effectiveness of the plans.

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Ian Foster, 72, former parish council chairman said: “In principle, I do not have any issue with this but I am not sure how effective this will be.

“We have at least three parks and I do not know how long they will have to patrol the parks.

“I do not know how effective it will be in reducing these issues.

“I have no issues with paying more if it’s seen to be effective and I think most others people will agree with this.

“It’s a good idea I just need to see it’s worthwhile.”

Parks across the parish have suffered from a series of incidents over recent years.

Back in 2019 police launched an investigating after three blades were left sticking out of the ground, which could slice and slash unsuspecting toddlers, at Magnolia Park.

A spokesman said: “The parish council agreed its budgets for 2021-22 and allocated £7,000 for the potential use of a private security company to help add additional security to the Hawkwell Parish, which includes parks and open spaces such as Magnolia Nature Reserve.

“The council has unfortunately had repeated damage to its playground equipment at Magnolia Park, along with continual graffiti, reports of drug taking and the discovery of drugs paraphernalia.

“The council agreed to a three-month trial run with a security company. Following consultation with residents and thorough review of the company, the council will then decide whether or not to pursue an annual contract. It is worth noting that if the council was to pursue a contract, the maximum total cost would be approximately £7,000 per year, equal to an average cost of 12p a month per household.”