FURY has erupted after 'shallow-brained vandals' destroy a Victorian seafront shelter currently undergoing works in Weston.
It was confirmed earlier today, November 9, that one of the shelters along Marine Parade was broken into and had paint strewn across the newly renovated benches and windows.
The facelift on four shelters began in July and was just weeks away from completion when thugs thought it best to 'wreak havoc on the town's splendid architecture'.
In a ferocious outcry against these 'cowardly' aggressors, the council's heritage champion and history buff, Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, likened the blitz to an assault on 'all that which we hold dear'.
He said: "These shelters are part of Weston's historic seaside character, and everybody is looking forward to seeing them back in use.
"I’m appalled by this act of wanton destruction - these shelters are a key part of our heritage and have offered shelter from Weston’s weather throughout the years.
"The renovation to bring them back to life was almost done and to see the result of this vandalism so close to completion is incredibly frustrating.
"Apart from a minor delay in sourcing materials the work was progressing well and we are all thankful to the Grand Pier, Puxton Park and Weston Civic Society for helping the council fund the work."
He added: "We must never allow cowardly, shallow-brained vandals to wreak havoc like this again."
A spokesperson for North Somerset Council said: "The restoration work has included repairing woodwork and windows, restoring the roofs and repainting each structure and was expected to be complete by the end of this month.
"This vandalism will now hold the project back as our specialist contractors spend time dealing with the clean-up and re-decoration works.
"If you have any information on this, or know who’s responsible, you can report it anonymously to us or the police on 101 so we can take prompt and robust action against this sort of anti-social behaviour."
To report anti-social behavior, complete an online form found on the council's website at www.saferstrongerns.co.uk/reportasb.
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