A DRAMATIC rise in the level of vandalism is costing so much that routine maintenance is being delayed.

A report to Fareham Borough Council's planning and transportation committee revealed there have been 49 acts of vandalism to council property since last October at a cost of £19,000.

Officers warned councillors that if repairs because of vandalism were given high priority, other schemes would have to wait longer. Head of engineering and transportation Andy Viccars said: "This year we have had to defer some of the normal maintenance programme to next year." He said that although none of the work was of a serious nature and would not affect safety, the long-term picture was unclear. He asked councillors to consider the pressure being put on budgets such as the community safety lighting project because of the need to carry out repairs.

Councillors voted to ask the policy and resources committee to look at setting aside separate money to deal with vandalism. Chairman of the planning and transportation committee Arthur Mandry said: "I expect policy and resources to be asked to look at it across all areas of the council - there should be special spending provision to cope with vandalism."