THE proprietor of a tourist attraction is backing Government plans aimed at forcing vandals to fix the damage they cause.

Bill Dewhurst has called time on vandals who caused £500 worth of damage to his Sabden Treacle Mines.

It is the latest in a string of attacks that have cost him £1,000 in replacement windows alone.

On one occasion, vandals even tried to set fire to the building by stuffing lighted newspapers through the letterbox.

In the latest incident a downspout was ripped from the outside of the building and used to smash a door and window.

Mr Dewhurst said: "I am angry and upset. I am trying to bring tourists to the area, which helps everyone, and this is what happens.

"Offenders should be made to fix the damage they cause and clear up their mess.

"The victims of crime get nothing and it is about time something was done."

Mr Dewhurst, whose treacle miners are the subject of a BAFTA-nominated children's television series, said his premises had suffered repeated attacks since opening eight years ago.

In the latest incident, his staff had to put right hurriedly the damage before a visit by a group of disabled youngsters.

"They had to race round and clear up broken glass. We have honestly had enough," he said.

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