More than 700 people have signed a petition to get CCTV cameras installed at a Shropshire swimming pool, following a spate of vandalism.

The petition has been put together by swimmers who use the Whitchurch Swimming Centre, who say they are fed up with vandalism and gangs of youths hanging around the centre and nearby car park.

Julie James, who uses the pool several times a week, said the centre had been a target for vandals for years and the situation was beyond a joke.

“We are going to petition the council,” she said.

“We have been getting petitions up for something to be done – CCTV in the foyer and outside the swimming centre because of all the vandalism. The windows have been getting vandalised for years now.”

Rian Huxley, spokeswoman for Shropshire Council, said CCTV was an option.

She said: “There was some vandalism in February and March time and five windows were smashed at Whitchurch Swimming Centre on the weekend of September 5 and 6.

“The council is working in partnership with the local police and Centre North East youth club, which is adjacent to the swimming centre, and Tesco which also use the facility of the car park.

“All partners are working to address this issue and create a permanent solution to the problem of which CCTV is hoped to be an integral tool.”

Richard Ewels, police spokesman, urged anybody with information about those responsible for causing the damage to contact Whitchurch Police Station on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.