VANDALS ATTACK SHOPPING CENTRE

2.15.00pm GMT Fri 1st Jan 2010

Vandals have damaged the newly-opened West Denton Park Shopping Centre.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused to the lifts which have been out of action several times.

Shoppers complain of youngsters causing trouble across the site, especially in the evenings. And boy racers have been using the car park as a race track.

Meetings have been held to agree on what needs to be done. An action plan has been drawn up which should see a reduction in the vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Graham Middleton said: "It's very disappointing that this brand new facility has been the target of so much anti-social behaviour.

"We've been waiting for the new shopping centre for years. It's a fantastic improvement in the area. Why do people want to destroy it?

"Hopefully, this action plan should help to make the area safe for residents and visitors to the shops and the other facilities in the centre."