Mayor of Newport hits out at bench yobs

The Mayor of Newport has hit out at the 'mindless yobs' who threw a garden bench into the town's canal.

The wooden bench was taken from a nearby garden and thrown into the Fishers Lock section of Newport Canal at some point over the weekend.

The bench is the latest item to be thrown into the canal with 'for sale' signs and shopping trolleys being discovered over the last few months.

Councillor Roy Scammell said it was 'soul destroying' that this kept happening.

He said: "They are just mindless, irresponsible yobs.

"I think it's absolutely disgusting. Thousands of pounds have been spent on improving Newport for people to enjoy and then stupid things like this happen. It's pretty soul destroying to be honest."

About £35,000 is to be spent by Telford & Wrekin Council on improving the town centre section of the canal. Councillor Scammell added: "Why should we spend money when there are yobs around doing things like this?"

And he urged residents to report anyone causing vandalism.

"Don't just turn a blind eye, go straight to the police," he said. "Vandalism is a criminal offence and people should be prosecuted."

Resident Ken Evans, whose house backs onto the canal, said the rubbish thrown into the canal was a constant problem.

He said: "It doesn't give a very good impression of our beautiful town. Our local councillors are very good and clean it up voluntarily but it keeps happening. I walk my dog in that area on a regular basis and you wouldn't believe what gets thrown in."