A MAN and his dog may be employed to patrol parks targeted by vandals after parish councillors decided they may have to resort to a private security firm for protection.

Following a spate of vandalism, including graffiti and broken bottles left in play areas, Hazlemere parish councillors are now thinking of bringing in a private patrol.

"It could be an idea to get a man and a van and his dog because security is lacking at some of our parks," David Cox, chairman of Hazlemere Parish Council, told councillors at a parish meeting last Tuesday.

He told the Free Press afterwards: "At one time we had a beat bobby on patrol but he left and we are constantly being given a new one.

"The problem is that once we get a new one they have to get to know the problem areas all over again and in the meantime the problem areas get worse."

Areas in Hazlemere which have been targeted include Hazlemere Youth Club, which had fencing ripped up and windows smashed in their minibus and The Dell children's play area behind the parish offices.

And some councillors believe that a security patrol man could do random spot checks at problem hot spots in an attempt to deter vandals.

Inspector Andy Kitchen, responsible for the Hazlemere area, said that there have been staff changes over the past few months but the introduction of new officers is extremely positive.

He added: "Whenever beat officers arrive, there is always a handover period to enable the new postholder to take on board all the relevant issues from the officer who is leaving the post."

On employing private security, he said: "If the parish council were to employ a private security firm in Hazlemere we would work in partnership with the council and that firm to ensure the community derives the maximum benefit from the initiative."