A local security firm has offered its services on a not-for-profit basis to patrol the town’s gardens at weekends during the summer holidays.

The main focus will be on Connaught Gardens. The gardens at Blackmore are already secured from late evening.

Two security guards will patrol from 10pm to 2am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend until the end of August.

Ben Waring of Safeguard, said: “We made the offer because we are eager to support initiatives that benefit the community.”

The intervention follows months of vandalism and rowdy behaviour by groups of young people sometimes up to 120 in an evening.

Ben added: “It’s really important to win the hearts and minds of the youngsters so that they realise how lucky they are to be in Sidmouth.

“These kids won’t know what they’ve got until it’s gone.”

The summer patrols will cost the Council about £2,500.