Calls for CCTV as vandals target beach huts in ‘mindless’ attack

The owner of St Annes’ award-winning beach huts has spoken of his disappointment after they became the latest attraction in the town to be targeted by vandals.
Vandals targeted St Annes Beach Huts overnight on TuesdayVandals targeted St Annes Beach Huts overnight on Tuesday
Vandals targeted St Annes Beach Huts overnight on Tuesday

Stuart Robertson, who owns and operates the beach huts with wife Zoe, discovered seven of the huts covered in graffiti overnight on Tuesday.

He said: “It’s really disappointing we have people like this who want go out their way to vandalise other people’s property.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I always had an idea that it might happen but it has never put me off opening as the huts have made a lot of people happy, it won’t deter me from carrying on.”

The town has suffered a recent spate of attacks with the Victorian shelters on the promenade smashed three times already this year.

And in January, yobs also caused more than £700 worth of damage to a parked car on Carlton Road.

Coun Karen Henshaw described the attack on St Annes Beach Huts as a “mindless act”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “These attacks stop people investing in the area and put off organisations meeting in the town.

“But we cannot let these attacks stop people coming into St Annes, the people who do this are in the minority.”

As a former magistrate, Coun Henshaw believes CCTV is the only way to deter criminals.

She added: “Attacks like these usually happen at night so the only real thing to do is have more CCTV. I feel really sorry for the owners, people are trying to bring business into St Annes and make it a more beautiful place to live.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Roberston would now like the council to help in getting CCTV installed.

He said: “I would like to get CCTV set up at the huts now as that’s one measure that would help prevent it occurring.”

In reference to the well-known urban artist, Mr Roberston added: “One thing for sure, it definitely wasn’t Banksy who spray-painted the huts.”

St Annes NHP team are appealing for information relating to the damage.

Anyone with information, should call 101 and quote LC-20150325-035.

Related topics: