VANDALS' RAMPAGE
A SPATE of mindless vandalism which left a trail of destruction in Riddings on Monday night has prompted an angry response from shop owners and councillors.
The glass of three bus shelters, one which had only been erected a few months ago, a BT telephone box, three shop windows and other windows were smashed in the Greenhill Lane, High Street and Guinness Trust areas.
Harry Ward owner of Fayre Carpets on Greenhill Lane, whose plate glass window was smashed for the third time said: "I have to pay the first 200 of any insurance claim and I just can't afford to keep paying out this kind of money. It's debatable whether they will insure again."
Coun Jack Brown, Amber Valley cabinet member for the environment and public services said: "Cleansing of the bus shelters and keeping them in order, which includes replacement of glass, is done under contract by Amber Valley for the county council.
"Whatever, it's the ratepayers who will have to foot the bill.
"I think its terrible when the County Council and Amber Valley provide modern bus shelters, and vandals just wipe them out. The shelters are not even fit for people to stand in when the glass is smashed.
"We try to improve standards of living for everyone then you get your legs kicked from under you.
"I hope police will catch the culprits and the punishment will fit the crime."
County councillor Paul Smith said: "I worked hard to ensure the bus shelters were upgraded throughout the community and to drive home through the village on Monday night after attending a parish council meeting and see the devastation caused yet again by the minority in the community, who seem hell bent on destroying any improvements, is sickening.
"We have upgraded the shelters which are illuminated to encourage people to feel safe while they are waiting for public transport and the parents or grandparents of these vandals may need to use these facilities.
"At the end of the day we can only get results with the public coming forward and saying enough is enough.
"I have spoken to PC Kit Moore, the police community officer,who has assured me that every effort will be made to apprehend the culprits."
The police have responded to several calls about the damage from public spirited individuals and are continuing with their enquiries.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Ripley
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
