In his Mayoral Minute to last week's council meeting, Cr Lewis again raised concerns about vandalism and under-aged drinking and urged residents to take responsibility for their own community.

Cr Lewis said he had become increasingly concerned at the direction society was taking.

"We seem to be seeing an unacceptable increase in vandalism and anti-social behaviour on our streets and in our public spaces," he said.

"Some of the scenes I have personally witnessed have shocked me as a parent, grandparent and firm believer in the importance of family."

Cr Lewis said in the past month there had been reports of groups of young people roaming the streets in Moss Vale, smashing windows and setting fire to garbage bins.

"Mittagong Swimming Pool was wantonly trashed and Corbett Gardens, just a stone's throw from the Bowral Police Station, is a regular trouble spot," he said. "Some of our public toilets are damaged so regularly we have to lock them. And the public wonder why."

Full story: SHN, Wednesday, March 1, 2006.