A SPATE of mindless acts of vandalism and crime hit St Annes at the weekend leaving shop owners and residents upset and angry.

Most of the trouble centred around St David's Road South and St Alban's Road and included two shop windows and a church window being smashed and attempted burglaries on at least two shop premises.

The vandalism began last Thursday evening as youths hurled objects at Church Road Methodist Church and Centre on St Alban's Road -- while a police and forum community meeting was taking place.

Bamboo Garden Chinese Restaurant on St David's Road and the Golden Fry Restaurant on St Alban's Road both had their windows smashed.

Chip shop owner Penny Bastow said: "We had two small panes put through at 4am on Saturday morning. I was very shocked and upset as I live at the back. It really is quite a frightening thing.

"Myself and many other residents around here have been very concerned about late night behaviour and the noise levels for sometime now, but I never expected anything like this. My concern is where were all the police when this was happening?"

Inadequate lighting on the back streets is a cause for major concern for many residents who feel that it allows criminal activity to thrive.

As assistant chairman of St David's Community Action Group who lives and works on St David's Road said: "The lighting down the back alleyway is absolutely horrendous and is perfect for criminals to come and go.

"There is only one lamp covering from St Alban's Road to Hove Road which is virtually useless."

A shop owner on St David's Road South whose premises was also subjected to an attempted burglary at the weekend added: "The lighting is totally inadequate and it is something that we will be speaking to the council about at the next meeting."

Another resident of Ramsgate Road told The Citizen: "A group of boys have been coming and taking the panels off the lamp posts -- making the lights go out and leaving wires hanging out.

"Over the weekend there was a spate of this type of vandalism and being a pensioner I couldn't go out at night as I couldn't see."

Sgt Gary Roberts of St Annes police said: "I am aware of the incidents that occurred at the weekend but wish to reassure the public that we have a lot of positive work going on at the moment.

"Vandalism in the area is an on-going problem and this is being dealt with by a special youth referral scheme that is under way and keeps track of persistent offenders who commit something that is deemed less than a criminal act."

Local ward councillor Dawn Prestwich visited many residents who were affected by the weekend activity and said: "We have had a weekend of significant unrest in the area and I am very aware of the problems faced by shop owners and residents from late night revellers and the like.

"There has always been a sense of worry about the quality of life in this area and a lot of older people are very scared and upset at what is going on, which is a great pity as they should feel safe and secure at their time of life.

"I know that poor street lighting is a very difficult problem in the area in particular at the rear of the properties. Unfortunately there is no easy fix to any of this but I am very aware of the problems and will be putting my projections forward to council."