Town leaders in Eastbourne are joining forces to combat a rise in vandalism. Walls have been pulled over, fences smashed and signs destroyed around The Rising.

Residents say the problem has been going on since November.

Borough councillor Norman Marsh said: "We cannot allow one or two selfish individuals to ruin the lives of local people.

"The constant destruction of property belonging to local residents and the council is having a detrimental effect on the area as well as costing a great deal to put right."

But Coun Marsh admitted it was difficult to force people to name the vandals and report incidents to police because they feared retribution.

He said: "People come to me to complain about it and I have great sympathy with them. They tell me they know who's behind it but won't give the information to me or the police."

He said even the presence of CCTV cameras would do little to deter vandals, who slip off down the maze of alleyways in the area before police arrive.

Coun Marsh said the introduction of street wardens had been a positive step and younger children in the area seemed to respect them.

Antisocial Behaviour Orders (Asbos) have also been used. These can be imposed on anyone over ten behaviour causes others alarm, distress or harassment.

Evidence is built up against offenders over six months and the case is then taken to court. People ignoring an Asbo face up to five years in prison.

Councillors representing the area will meet police, council bosses and street wardens to discuss the problem.

East Downs police, which covers Eastbourne, said today that many initiatives were in place to reduce crime.

They included the introduction of street wardens, monthly surgeries for victims of crime and youth schemes such as the new park at Shinewater.

A force spokesman said today: "The ruling group in Eastbourne plays an active part in what is widely regarded as one of the most successful partnerships in East Sussex.

"The Eastbourne Crime Reduction Partnership has, over the last year, introduced a series of initiatives aimed at combating antisocial behaviour in Eastbourne, particularly in identifying criminal damage hotspots.

"This has resulted in 208 fewer reports of criminal damage compared to the same period the previous year."