ALLOTMENT holders in Halesowen are calling for security improvements after being plagued by vandals.

Gardeners at the Highfield Lane site have had their shed doors smashed and windows broken. Water pipes have also been ripped apart.

Chairman Dave Adams is appealing for Dudley Council to replace the dilapidated 25-year-old fence and to make alterations to the gates to stop yobs breaking in.

“The problem has got worse more recently and we have had five break-ins in the last year,” he said.

Councillor Tracy Wood, cabinet member for environment and culture, urged nearby residents to watch out for such acts of vandalism and report them to the police.

She added: “In the meantime, we are working very closely with the allotment association to see if there is any external funding available to upgrade the fence and gates to help prevent further attacks.

“If we are able to attract funding we would look to replace the fencing in stages and modify the gates to stop people climbing over them."