Vandalism sparks bid by optician for shutters (From Warrington Guardian)

Vandalism sparks bid by optician for shutters

FRUSTRATED optician Lynn Thompson says he has no choice but to consider placing shutters over his shop window to protect his business against the vandals.

Hooligans threw bricks into the front window of Thompsons Opticians in West Street, Congleton, over the Christmas period.

"It has happened before, and has left me with no alternative but to consider having shutters fitted," said Mr Thompson this week.

Two of the three 7 feet x 3 feet panes of glass in the front window were broken by the vandals on Christmas Eve.

Each of them will cost £300 to replace, but fortunately they did not shatter and fall into the shop because they were made from laminated glass.

Mr Thompson is looking at installing shutters, which may need planning approval from Congleton Borough Council.

The last time the window was smashed was three years ago, leading Mr Thompson to remove the display from inside the window to safeguard his stock.

His business was one of a number of town centre shops targeted by the yobs over the Christmas and New Year period, which included Borough Pharmacy in Swan Bank and Cost Cutters in the Bridge Street. pedestrian area.

One of those attacked was Highfields restaurant in Little Street, which had its window smashed on Christmas Eve.

"I'm disgusted by the damage," said Elaine Bedson, who works at the restaurant.

"On Christmas morning I came in to work at 7.30am., and had to clean up the debris in front of the restaurant which the thugs had left.

"It's absolutely disgusting."