CALLS for a beat bobby dedicated to Northallerton have been made after an escalation of vandalism in the town.

Earlier this month vandals ripped up a heavy picnic table which was given to the town as a millennium gift.

The attack was among a number of incidents which is causing the town council to put the issue at the top of its agenda for action.

Concrete foundations for the table on the Applegarth car park were so heavy it is felt that many youths must have been involved.

Mayor Jack Dobson said: "This is yet another example of the growing vandalism in Northallerton."

He said the culprits should be given community service orders to repair the damage.

He also feels the problem has worsened since the time when the town had police beat officer, Peter King. "He knew local youths and who was responsible for such actions. Vandalism has escalated since we are covered by CCTV and police patrol cars. We badly need a town bobby."

Coun Dobson has been in touch with community police officers and is setting up a meeting of all relevant agencies and councillors in the town hall. This is set to take place during the first week in September.

Sgt Geoff Bush said high-profile patrols would now be implemented at the Applegarth and Bullamoor Park .

He also appealed to residents to report any incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour. "Don't just ignore it, let police know and then we have a chance of doing something about it," he said.