Volunteers behind a popular tourist attraction in Burntwood are stepping up security to ward off problems with vandalism – and to improve the area.

Officials of the Chasewater Country Park railway, have submitted plans to Lichfield District Council.

The registered charity, which is run by volunteers, is proposing the erection of new security fencing around the perimeter of Chasewater Heaths station in a scheme costing £20,000.

Chasewater Railway is becoming increasingly popular with visitors and recently experienced a record Christmas with more than 7,000 people flocking to enjoy the Santa Special trains.

But the site has also been hit by problems with vandalism, which are worse in the summer months.

Chairman David Bathurst said the scheme was set to be funded through a successful grant application, but he would not reveal where the funding is coming from at this stage.

He said: “One of the key justifications for the fencing is because of vandalism.

“We have sustained damage to the roof, rainwater guttering has been torn down and we have youths congregating and carrying out unsocial activities.

“We also want to improve the appearance of the site.”