Awbridge Village Hall may rest in the rural setting of the Test Valley and be a popular and busy venue, but that hasn't stopped it becoming a target for vandals, who, since the start of the year, have spoilt the area and caused over £800 of damage, writes Elliot Boultwood.

Alan Daniel, one of the hall trustees, said: "It's hard to believe, but sadly true, and closed-circuit television would seem the obvious way to try and combat this spate of petty crime. For village halls that are often run on goodwill and hard work, this kind of repair bill cannot be sustained long term."

Damage has occurred in the children's play area on multiple occasions, with spray painted graffiti, while sheds have been kicked in and other community facilities have been destroyed.

It is hoped to combat this with CCTV, so recorded footage can be reported to the police. Residents who spot this sort of vandalism on have been asked to notify the committee via their letterbox, or the website at www.awbridgevillagehall.com with the time and date that the observation was made.