A MIDDLEWICH businessman who has suffered at the hands of vandals says he's had enough and wants fellow shop owners to join him in setting up a business watch scheme.

As reported exclusively in last week's Guardian, David Latham, of DJ Latham Properties, owns two properties in Hightown which have been subject to two arson attacks in the past month.

He says vandalism in Middlewich is becoming a major problem and is calling on Middlewich Town Council, Congleton Borough Council and the police to look at ways of addressing the issue.

David, who is asking businesses in the town to form a scheme similar to Middlewich Pubwatch, said: "The council says it wants bring new businesses to the town. They think by spending more than £300,000 on the amphitheatre they'll attract businesses to the town, but they won't. They'll come and see the shops boarded up and turn right back round."

David feels that more money needs to be spent on security cameras over looking the shops and that the councils need to invest some funds in providing something for the town's teenagers to do.

He said: "The councils must recognise what's going on and stop painting the picture that it's all roses because it isn't.

"Shop owners need peace of mind against things like theft and vandalism. We can't keep paying for repairs and replacements. It's a vicious circle because it stops people making a living."

He added: "There needs to be a shop watch scheme where we can all look out for each other. We need to pull together and if people want to speak to me about this I'm more than happy to be a spokesman."

Town councillor Paul Edwards said there is a chamber of commerce that local businesses can join to discuss a range of issues, including identifying and finding solutions to anti-social behaviour problems.

He added: "If businesses want to take part they can come and speak to us and we can set up a meeting and find out information for them."

??If you would like to set up a business watch scheme, contact Guardian reporter Gemma Sproston by emailing gsproston@guardiangp.co.uk. To find out more about the chamber of commerce, contact Caroline O'Brien by ringing 01606 841379.