Vandals spark security patrols

Frequent vandalism has led to a housing developer employing full-time security at its latest scheme - of just six homes.

After a spate of vandalism caused thousands of pounds of damage last week, fed-up developers at Whitehouse Gardens, Ditherington, Shrewsbury, are manning the site round-the-clock to protect their new properties.

Bosses said today they were determined not to let the yobs ruin their work.Chris Portman, operations manager for developer Harpers, said: “There is a security man that comes on when workmen leave the site and stays until they arrive.

“It is at night we have had trouble, but we are still on target.”

Borough councillor for Battlefield and Heathgate Malcolm Price said the council also had responsibility at the site designated for affordable homes.

“We will speak to the company about the security,” he said. “They are now back on schedule, so have done really well.”