Lutterworth College and Lutterworth High School will be asked to send letters to pupils and students reminding them of the cost to individuals and the town as a whole in repairing vandalism and cleaning up graffiti.

It is hoped that by informing pupils that their parents and families ultimately end up paying for the damage through council tax it can stem the problem.

Lutterworth Town Council met on Tuesday where councillors spoke about the issue, which some felt is becoming worse.

Cllr Bradley Woodward said it was important to educate younger people about the cost to individuals and businesses of the damage.

He added: “We should ask for something about this to go in the newsletters of the schools.

“The police also need to reiterate that they are taking a zero tolerance approach to the problem.”

Cllr Janette Ackerley said that everyone in the town could help make the town more attractive by picking up litter and cleaning up after their dogs.

She added: “I, along with a large number of other people, am very concerned.

“Graffiti and littering seems to be getting worse and I would urge people to report these problems to the council or police whenever they see them.”

Cllr Ken Seymour said he had spoken to two residents in Woodmarket whose homes had been attacked by vandals.

He added: “I intend to speak to the probation service to see whether or not people who have been given community service can help clean up the damage.”

Councillors highlighted a number of recent incidents of vandalism, including a bus shelter in Woodway Road which has been targeted three times in recent months.