EXTRA police patrols are being made in Watchet following a ‘huge increase’ in ‘mindless vandalism’ in the town.

Town clerk Jo Grellier said Watchet had experienced a sudden surge in vandalism across the past month, with many council and public assets targeted.

Damage included gloss paint being deliberately thrown over skate ramps in the Henry Davey play area, trees uprooted in the community garden, and vandalism of baby changing units in the Harbour Road toilets.

The roof of Watchet Pavilion in the War Memorial Recreation Ground had also been damaged, as were nearby benches, and the multi-use games area (MUGA).

Ms Grellier said she was ‘extremely concerned about the escalation’ and was in dialogue with Avon and Somerset Police for support and guidance.

She said she had asked the police for increased visibility or patrols in known hotspot areas and advice on prevention strategies or community reporting, with a meeting to discuss a co-ordinated response and possible next steps.

Ms Grellier told town councillors a discussion regarding support with the local CCTV system was also needed now that Somerset Council had ‘walked away’ from its responsibility for maintaining the cameras.

She said: “I received an email to confirm receipt and a promise that our concerns will be escalated to the PSCO supervisor, and in the meantime an increase in evening patrols in the area will be conducted.”

Councillors were told the Harbour Road baby changing units had since been removed temporarily for safety reasons.

Town deputy clerk Annie Robinson had also conducted a deep clean of the toilet block as a ‘matter of urgency’, using her previous experience of hygiene cleaning courses as a bed and breakfast business owner.

Councillors also agreed to write a letter of thanks to James Sawatzki, who had repaired free of charge a vandalised basketball hoop in the MUGA.