CALLS for a park keeper on the town's recreation ground have been sparked by an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Ledbury town councillors will discuss hiring a park keeper for the ground in the New Year.

The idea has been floated as a way of tackling anti-social behaviour in the area such as a cyclist who was reportedly attacked by a group of youths and picnic bench being set on fire.

Councillor Tony Bradford is calling for the role after he said there had been an increase in anti-social behaviour on the ground.

But he said the role would not be that of a security guard.

“This is an old-fashioned idea in a way, park keepers or wardens would look after the park and get to know the community, too,” he said.

“This is something the Government is encouraging, although it took me a while to convince other councillors.

“We won’t just be hiring someone off the street - there are companies that specialise in this.

“They provide fully qualified park keepers who wear body cams and work with police.”

Cllr Bradford said levels of anti-social behaviour on the Rec have increased in recent months.

READ MORE: Picnic bench at Ledbury Recreation Ground destroyed by fire in 'malicious attack'

“There was a bloke on his bike who was attacked over there recently by a group of youths. Something needs to be done - and the police don’t have the resources to be there all the time.”

In October, a rainbow picnic bench installed near the children’s playground just a year earlier was destroyed by fire.

A spokesperson for Ledbury Town Council described the incident as “malicious and unnecessary attack on facilities that are provided for the Ledbury community”.

“This was a new multi-coloured picnic bench only installed last year for the benefit of children and families who use the play area,” they added.

READ MORE: Police trying to identify anti-social biker

“Ledbury Town Council is investing funds into the play area as well as the skatepark and it is a great pity that the minority wish to spoil the area and facilities for the majority within Ledbury.”

Ledbury Town Council confirmed that a Task and Finish Group had been set up to look at the park keeper idea and will make report to the council’s Environment and Leisure Committee with its recommendations.

“We are currently considering our 2023/24 budget and it is for councillors to decide whether they wish to include a figure for this in that budget,” said a spokesperson.