Area target for vandals

Parts of north Shropshire are being targeted by vandals with a string of mindless attacks leaving charities and councils facing huge repair bills.

In one incident yobs attacked a charity-run museum in Market Drayton for the sixth time since it opened its doors two years ago, while in Whitchurch a beauty spot, which has been blighted by vandal attacks, was targeted again.

The trail of destruction at the town's Jubilee Park has led to proposals for CCTV in the area and calls for an increase in police patrols.

Rosemary Powell, assistant clerk at Whitchurch Town Council, said in the latest attack at the park, benches were smashed and the council would have to foot the bill.

"We will be looking into installing a CCTV system in the park and extra police patrols in the park would be much appreciated," she said.

Police say the park isn't the only area suffering from vandalism and they said they would continue to target patrols to deter vandals.

On Sunday, yobs smashed a Victorian sash window at Market Drayton's Story of Drayton museum, the third attack this year.

The museum in Shropshire Street tells the story of the town and is run by Market Drayton Civic Society.

Carol Chapman, secretary of the civic society and part of the museum team, said the pane would cost £60 to replace, bringing the repair bill for vandal attacks at the museum to more than £1,000 for this year alone.

Volunteers had to replace a laminated 8ft by 6ft window and glass in the door of the museum after they were smashed earlier this year.

Mrs Chapman said as well as hitting is funds, it would also take time and effort to put right.

She added: "It's the fact it is a facility for the town and people who have donated things to the museum - it's an attack on them in a way."

She said that plans to have the outside of the museum redecorated this year could be put on hold while more cash is raised.

Police have labelled the damage to the museum, which was caused between 2am and 6.50am on Sunday, as "wanton vandalism".

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.