HIDDEN CCTV cameras, warning signs and extra police patrols are part of a new crack down on anti-social behaviour at Dog Hill Wood, a Ledbury beauty spot.

And both police and a leading town councillor involved with the measures believes that they are starting to work: with three people being advised and "moved on" by police on Monday evening, following a successful drugs search.

The main problem area is the so-called "cricket pitch" open space, and it is from here that bottles and even a litter bin have been launched at properties below in recent months, leading to the action plan.

One practical measure this week, carried out by the town council, was the installation of a metal "vandal-proof " litter bin and this has been set in concrete.

Cllr Tony Bradford, chairman of the town's environment and leisure committee said, at last week's annual town meeting, that the CCTV cameras and signage had "nailed" the problems.

He said: "Since the new CCTV cameras and signs have been installed, there have been no problems whatsoever."

But this week both he and the police said there were still some issues to the tackled, while both were striking a positive note.

A police spokesman said: "Reports to us have dropped but there are still some issues and obviously as the summer approaches we are mindful it might become a gathering point again.

"To that end patrols from the local police are increasing so we can hopefully stay ahead of the issue. We are grateful of the support from the CCTV."

The police report of the "positive drugs search" this week said that the three people spoken to by officers were "pleasant enough".

The report adds: "We explained the issues of anti-social behaviour in the area, so a few more are now aware that we are targeting the area."

The report does not state the drug that was found, but The Reporter understands it was cannabis

Cllr Bradford said he had been going to the beauty spot himself, for exercise, and to talk to other users and gather impressions.

He said: "Most of the people up there are looking for a quiet, peaceful time," and he said only "a handful of people" were causing problems.

Concerning the objects hurled at properties in recent months, Cllr Bradford said: "The people living at the bottom were terrified."

Cllr Bradford installed the CCTV cameras himself, with the help of a Ledbury Town Council employee.

He declined to say how many cameras were operational at present, but added: "More than one."

Each camera costs £84, and they have been deliberately hidden, to give good views while remaining unseen.

Not every Ledbury resident believes public money should be spent in this way.

Ledbury resident, Russ Smith, posting on the Voice of Ledbury Facebook site, said, ironically: "Installing CCTV to cover an area that 90 per cent of Ledbury residents either don't know exists or will never go to sounds about right! Good to know the councillors have their priorities in order."

Other residents say reports of anti-social behaviour at "the cricket pitch" will not put them off from visiting the beauty spot.

Ledbury resident Lisa Thick said: "I don’t feel uneasy about going there. I go there quite regularly and have not seen a problem as yet. I love the site and it has the views to go with it. I recommend taking a walk to it."

And Christine Bradford said: "I’ve never ever had a problem up there or felt uneasy because of the young people that choose to chill. The only problem I have is the rubbish they leave instead of putting it in the bin."