AN operation has been set up to curb the rise in vandalism and anti-social behaviour in Hexham.

Operations Bandstand has been set up to monitor areas in Hexham such as the town centre and Sele Park areas.

Incidents of vandalism have taken place throughout the summer months with the vandalism of the Hexham Giant, Hexham Bus Station and at the Bandstand in the Sele.

Private property has also been damaged, with one resident reporting youths threw a sign into the window of their house on Hallstile Bank.

READ MORE: Emergency anti-social behaviour meeting addresses 'escalating' vandalism

READ MORE: Revealed: How much new flats at former swimming pool site will cost

Hexham Town Council is also planning public meetings with parents, schools and the community to address anti-social behaviour in the community.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Operations Bandstand, a dedicated operation which seeks to crack down on anti-social behaviour, has been launched in the Hexham Town Centre and Sele Park areas.

"Extra patrols of the areas have been arranged and we are working with the local authority to explore additional CCTV being erected in key areas of the town.

"We know anti-social behaviour, such as vandalism, can cause misery in communities and we remain committed to engaging with locals and working with partners."

Penny Grennan, a Hexham Town councillor said: "The name Operations Bandstand is very fitting because our bandstand was vandalised. Anything that helps the community to protect our lovely town is welcomed by the Town Council, who will continue initiatives alongside the Police. 

"The town council wants to bring together Northumberland County Council, Police, Community Police, community groups and the people of the town to work together.

"It's not about criminalising, it's about acting as a deterrent and stopping it in the first place, so the deterrent element is really important."

Cllr Suzanne Fairless-Aitken said the new operation was 'excellent' news and she was pleased with the efforts to help crack down on anti-social behaviour. 

"The Northumberland County Council anti-social officer has been working closely with Police on our guidance, and temporary CCTV is looking good, hopefully in tandem with the detached community officer," she said.

"We will crack this. Hexham is not alone and we have a superb community of parents and residents who will not stand for this."