LIBERAL Democrat councillors have slammed the "mindless thugs" who attacked a doctor and his driver in Clinkham Wood.

During the incident, reported in last week's Star, the doctor was subjected to racist abuse by a gang of youngsters who also stoned his car, causing £500 worth of damage.

Councillor Eric Simpson said: "This unwarranted attack by children as young as eight, on an on-call doctor is nothing short of vandalism. Strong positive action needs to be taken to deal with this type of behaviour and the police need the power to act, not only to deal with the culprits, but also anyone who is caught selling the cheap cider and the adults who buy it for the young of our estate. There also needs to be firmer parental control to deal with these anti-social children."

And Councillor Carole Kavanagh commented: "I would like to apologise to the doctor and his navigator on behalf of all the residents of Clinkham Wood who are equally disgusted at this incident. The mindless thugs who committed this attack should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves." But she added: "Although I do not condone this type of behaviour, the lack of facilities in the Moss Bank ward as a whole is part of the problem. When, some years ago, the council closed down Carr Mill Community Centre, it took away from the children of our area, a much-needed leisure facility that, during the summer holidays, catered for up to 60 children. The current lack of facilities in Moss Bank is forcing children onto the streets when we should be encouraging them to take on other interests."

Councillor Richard Ferry said: "Adults who obtain alcohol for youths are a menace to society. I ask residents to co-operate with the police to help control the situation and improve the quality of life for all the residents of Moss Bank."