A councillor has called for more resources to be put into rural policing after a rise in anti-social behaviour in her town.
Coun Suzanne Fairless-Aitken represents Hexham East on Northumberland County Council, and said there had been an increase in reports of disorder in the town.
Just last year, the town regained its title of happiest place to live according to Rightmove, having previously won the honour in 2019.
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Speaking at Wednesday's meeting of the council, Coun Fairless Aitken said: "Hexham has seen a drastic increase in anti-social behaviour, from serious vandalism like the attack on Hexham's bandstand to the damaging of cars lawfully parked on the streets.
"Will the administration undertake work with town and parish councils to facilitate the positioning of CCTV where appropriate, allow members to spend money from their small schemes fund on equipment, and will the county council lobby the PCC to commit more resources to rural policing?
"I despair of our rural police stations being nine to five, rather than open all night like they used to be and should be."
Responding to Coun Fairless Aitken's points, Coun Colin Horncastle, cabinet member for community services, said he shared her concern over the issue. Coun Horncastle represents the South Tynedale ward, one of the county's most rural.
He said: "This remains a concern. However, those responsible for the damage to the bandstand were apprehended by police.
"At a county council level, we will continue to monitor anti-social behaviour. We have identified anti-social behaviour as a key priority and we are working with partners to reduce the impact of ASB on or communities."
Coun Horncastle said that while the county council could help fund the purchase and installation of CCTV, running costs would then be down to town and parish councils.
He added that both himself and Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuiness had a concern about rural policing, and that he had been due to meet with the PCC last week; but the meeting was cancelled due to the period of national mourning following the death of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Coun Horncastle pledged to discuss the issue with the PCC during their next meeting.
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