A BUSINESSMAN targeted by vandals is urging council chiefs to speed up installation of CCTV cameras to boost protection for stores.

Ed Evans, owner of Stourport-based opticians, Seymour and Easlea, High Street, picked up the pieces after a gang of drunken yobs smashed glass in the shop's front door.

He said: "There was a group of youngsters, aged between 15 and 18, hanging around, on Mitton Street, outside the Black Star pub, drinking cans of beer, being quite rowdy.

"They ended up outside our shop and one proceeded to punch the glass in the front door."

The youths ran off after shop staff at the Cutting Rooms opposite spotted what happened, with police arriving later to search the area, although there were no arrests.

Mr Evans, who runs the shop with wife, Debbie, said: "We've been quoted £250 for the damage and it's quite upsetting, given the fact it isn't the first time this has happened.

"We've had windows put through and had signs pinched and although they're not large amounts of money each time, it's enough now to become too much."

Last summer, the shop was targeted by thieves stealing special offer banners hanging above the shop door.

He added: "Wyre Forest District Council were talking about CCTV being installed and dates were given for March and there's still no sign of any cameras being put up.

"We've been running the shop about 18 months, so you can understand it's a bit of a hard thing to swallow when trying to get a new business off the ground."

Wyre Forest District Council granted planning permission for five CCTV cameras in Stourport town centre, including one on High Street and New Street, with another on Lombard Street and High Street.

Steve Singleton, district council economic development and tourism manager, said: "Some of the cameras are going up this week but they're not actually going to be switched on until the end of April.

"If we give a date and it passes then all hell will break loose, with people saying why wasn't it on that date?"

Councillor Nathan Desmond, said: "We've been contacted by numerous shopowners and traders complaining about increasing vandalism and the CCTV will be a key measure in tackling anti-social behaviour and crime, reassuring shoppers and traders."