East Preston CCTV?

Vandalism, damage and serious threatening behaviour has pushed villagers too far and they are intent on installing surveillance equipment to combat the crimewave.

Former Tudor Tavern landlord Colin Forster circulated a letter to villagers, asking them to help with the costs of buying and installing the cameras, and has so far had 52 pledges of financial support.

He explained: "Several of the traders and myself started talking about it after a particularly bad bout of vandalism in October, last year.We have the backing of East Preston Parish Council and Arun District Council. I think it is a case of how fast we can push this through, and have the cameras installed."

And the business of Arun District councillor Derek Whittaker has been hit by the youngsters on several occasions.

He says the glass doors of his office building, Gerrard House Properties, in Worthing Road, have been kicked in on at least three occasions, three windows have been smashed and two cars broken into.