MINDLESS youngsters who have vandalised life belts have been blasted by a leading councillor for putting lives at risk.

Councillor Harold Parker hit out after a spate of incidents at Preston docks.

It is believed gangs of youths have been tampering with belts in the early hours of the morning.

The Preston city councillor, executive member for resources, said: "These people are just mindless vandals and they should think about other people's safety.

"Several of the life belts were thrown in the water last weekend but were replaced by our docks control team by 8.30am on Monday morning.

"The safety of local people is our top priority and we check all the life belts three times a week to make sure they're not damaged. We also try to make sure there are more lifebelts than strictly needed around the docks so if there's one missing, there will be another nearby."

A docks-based publican has called for CCTV to be installed in the area to help catch the youngsters who he believe are putting lives at risk.

Ribble Pilot landlord Trevor Pilkington, said: "It's ridiculous, it seems youths have been hanging out too late and their parents don't seem bothered, but what will happen if one of them falls in?

"Nobody ever sees anything but if CCTV was installed then you would be able to catch them."

There are 42 life belts around Preston docks, every 100 yards, and each life belt must be clearly visible and easy to remove in case of emergency.

People can report any missing or damaged belts to the docks control centre on 01772 726711.