A WEST Wiltshire district councillor has called for the return of corporal punishment for vandals.

Cllr Terry Chivers (Lib Dem) said the number of criminals defacing and damaging property in the area was soaring and said the problem must be stopped.

Cllr Chivers said the recent damage of the Christmas lights in Bradford on Avon had been a prime example.

"Enough is enough. We have tried the way of the do-gooders. Now it is time to get tough," he said.

"In my own ward we have seen thousands of pounds worth of damage and there seems little that can be done.

"These idiots cannot be talked to so we must take direct action. We should be looking at bringing back national service, and corporal punishment in schools.

"The time has come to come down hard on these thugs who cost the taxpayers millions each year."

Fellow Lib Dem district councillor Jeff Osborn said the controversial views were over the top.

"Bringing back national service is not going to stop someone smashing Christmas lights," he said.