SECURITY is being stepped up at a town hall to halt a rise in abusive and threatening behaviour towards staff.

Police have been called to Worthing Town Hall several times after trouble has flared between workers and aggressive customers.

A report to councillors says there has been an increase in incidents over the last year and it is getting worse.

Many happen at the help point and inquiry office at the building in Chapel Road.

Female staff have been threatened with violence and property has been damaged. There has also been a rise in verbal abuse and drunkenness.

Now councillors are expected to announce a string of security measures tomorrow, including issuing panic alarms.

Michael Ball, Worthing Council chief executive, said: "This behaviour has got worse. It is mainly aggressive things rather than actual violence, but there is the potential for it.

"I think it is important that it is addressed now because there has been a very noticeable deterioration in people's behaviour. We have had to call the police where there has been the threat of violence.

"The most important thing to discuss is the possibility of us having to get a new security officer down there."

Councillors are expected to announce big improvements in CCTV coverage tomorrow.

They will call for the help point to be redesigned to ensure greater safety for receptionists, for a new reception area security officer and for panic alarms to be issued.

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