MEMBERS of the public are being asked to play their part in combating vandalism and anti-social behaviour in a north Suffolk town.Halesworth has been hit by a series of attacks by vandals and the town council is asking for help in dealing with the problem.

MEMBERS of the public are being asked to play their part in combating vandalism and anti-social behaviour in a north Suffolk town.

Halesworth has been hit by a series of attacks by vandals and the town council is asking for help in dealing with the problem.

Town councillors have arranged an open public meeting to discuss the issue at the Rifle Hall, a target for vandals in the past, on Thursday, August 28, starting at 7pm.

Ezra Leverett, a member of the town council, said: "As town councillors we were left in no doubt about the subjects that are giving local residents most concern.

"Again and again the subjects of vandalism and anti-social behaviour were being brought up by people who were both alarmed and concerned at the present situation in the town," he said.

Councillors have invited representatives of Suffolk police, Waveney District Council and Suffolk County Council to the meeting.

"We do not want this to turn into some kind of moaning session," said Mr Leverett.

"We want to get something positive out of this and hope that people who come along will think about what could be done to improve the situation," he said.

Another issue to be discussed at the meeting is the litter picking and grass cutting policies of the district council.

Last month a litter pick in the town saw community groups including Halesworth Scouts join town councillors to clear the Town Park and other public areas of litter.

"Improvements in the Town Park have seen many more people use it and this is welcomed but unfortunately all kinds of litter are being thrown away rather than taken to the bins that are provided," said Mr Leverett.

Recent targets for vandals in Halesworth have included the parish church, the Arboretum and the newly-opened skateboard park.

St Mary's Church in the centre of Halesworth has seen windows broken, doors ripped from their hinges and graffiti scrawled across walls.

The Nativity Crib in Halesworth Arboretum was also attacked and virtually destroyed over the Christmas and New Year period.

Earlier this month the new skateboard park in Halesworth was attacked by vandals who broke fences and tried to set fire to some of the rides and ramps.

Public toilets in Halesworth have also been a target of vandals recently including those in the Town Park, the Market Place and Norwich Road.

A spokeswoman for Halesworth police, said that local officers regularly patrol in the town.

"We always treat every report of vandalism or anti-social behaviour very seriously. Residents can play their part by reporting such incidents as quickly as possible," she said.

Halesworth police can be contacted on 01986 835300.