£56k revamp to boost security

Security is to be tightened at a Stourbridge beauty spot with the introduction of £56,000 improvements following a spate of break-ins in buildings at the site.

Dudley Council offices in Mary Stevens Park have been targeted by thieves and vandals. Thefts from the offices at the park in Norton are already costing thousands per year.

There have also been arson attacks and criminal damage caused at the site where the council's engineering department is based. Now council bosses are determined to tighten up security and stop repeated incidents from happening.

Dudley Council spokesman Phil Parker said that plans were already being drawn up to get the best possible security measures for the site.

"The work will include the installation of fencing and pedestrian wrought iron gates in keeping with the surroundings and the replanting of hedges around the council house at Mary Stevens Park.

"It is intended that this work will be carried out by the autumn.

"The works follow on from a number of incidents of vandalism such as criminal damage, graffiti and arson. There have also been break-ins which have resulted in the loss of around £5,000 worth of equipment."

The improvements are to be funded from the directorate reserves, repairs and maintenance resources and rick management resources.

The proposal is due to be rubber stamped by Dudley Council's cabinet at a meeting on Wednesday June 13.

The cabinet will also be told that £390,000 is to be spent on improving street lighting in streets around the borough over the next year.

Under the plan £141,000 will be spent on lighting in Mucklow Hill, Halesowen, £78,000 in Manor Lane, Halesowen, £48,500 Buffrey Road, Dudley.

Lighting will also be improved in Priory Road, Dudley and Collis Street, Amblecote.