THE introduction of private security guards in Minehead's Blenheim Gardens has already resulted in a "noticeable decline in undesirable activity".

Members of the Minehead Community Safety Working Group were told wardens employed by the district council had helped to reduce levels of vandalism and petty crime since they started their patrols last month.

Inspector Keith Bridges, of Minehead police, said his officers had attended 43 incidents associated with Blenheim Gardens between January and June, 22 of which involved crime or nuisance.

He said most of the disorder happened before 11pm and ranged from flowers and plants being ripped out to youngsters playing football and causing vandalism.

A range of ideas for tackling anti-social behaviour in the gardens were suggested, including extending the town's closed circuit television system.

Another possibility was to follow the example of Taunton's Vivary Park, where funding was raised for investment in enhanced lighting, public toilets and different types of shelters.

In the short term, it was suggested partnerships should be explored to raise money to pay for the continued use of private patrols.

All the ideas would be fed into an action plan for improving the gardens, which would be drawn up by the group.

The meeting was attended by town and district councillors, representatives from the police and local schools.

They were told trees had already been thinned out and new signs to highlight by-laws banning ball games, cycling, and dogs were being prepared by West Somerset District Council.