Last updated 11:46, Friday, 21 November 2008

VANDALS could force an Ulverston café owner out of town.

Pamela Morris’ Old Bakehouse Café in Brogden Street was targeted in two separate incidents on Thursday and Sunday last week.

Windows were smashed and a charity and tip boxes stolen.

The Old Bakehouse Café alone has now fallen victim on three occasions, after vandals smashed its large front window in 2007.

The incidents are just three in a long history of criminal damage to the street’s shops and businesses.

Miss Morris said replacing the glass and covering the insurance payments has cost a fortune.

She said: “I’ll be honest, I won’t be able to withstand more of these blows because the insurance excess is £250 every time.

“This street is horrendous for vandalism. It’s a quiet street and it’s pitch black by 8pm and anyone can do anything without being seen.”

The incident on Thursday evening left the café open until 8am on Friday. During that time a charity box and tip pot were stolen off the counter.

Miss Morris said: “I’m not going to have a charity box anymore, which is sad.

“I think a CCTV camera (in Brogden Street) would help a lot. I’m going to put security lights up outside now and probably install my own camera, which I shouldn’t have to do. But short of putting shutters up, what else can I do?”

Alan Hunter’s Rossendale Interiors in Brogden Street has suffered three broken windows in 18 months, each costing £1,000 to replace.

He said: “This isn’t just happening in Brogden Street, but all over Ulverston. Only Market Street and New Market Street seem to be safe. They need to do something about it. I’m not sure a CCTV camera will solve it.”

Jason Bright, owner of Brogden Street’s Rustique restaurant, has led a campaign to get a CCTV camera on the street to deter vandalism.

He said: “We’ve just had enough. There’s absolutely no point in people setting up business in Brogden Street.”

Ralph Spours, Ulverston Traders’ Association chairman, said: “The UTA is aware of the situation and has been in communication with the police to try and have extra surveillance there.”

Sergeant Rupert Johnston, of Ulverston police, said: “The incidents are currently under investigation and officers are awaiting results of forensic examinations at the scene.

“Acts of mindless vandalism such as this cause untold distress to local shopkeepers and their businesses – this will not be tolerated in Ulverston.”