Ref. 30134-06A FACTORY boss says that damage by vandals at his factory is costing his business thousands of pounds a year.

John Hemsworth, 64, managing director of Toolcraft Plastics, in Argyle Street, Gorse Hill, said the damage caused by the youngsters does not look good with customers.

He said: "These problems have been ongoing for three or four years, but they've come to a head in the past six months.

"Because Argyle Street is not a through road to Cirencester Way, there is no through traffic. Where the road ends is lit up and so is our factory. At night they have their own floodlit pitch.

"We are continually having windows smashed, I have small windows in my office and recently found one of these balls on my office carpet when I came into work one morning. I have replaced windows with the stronger plastic, but they still get broken."

"It is costing thousands of pounds to repair every year, and as a manufacturing business we really don't need this."

The firm has been in Argyle Street for 15 years and employs around 20 people working on plastic injection and vacuum moulding. It produces plastic products designed on computer.

Over the years, Mr Hemsworth has taken pictures of the damage caused by the vandals, including one of a ball kicked so hard into the fascia that it was left stuck in it, while metal panelling has been dented and marked.

Mr Hemsworth said: "I have no problem with seeing the kids play, but it is the force they use. There has been so much damage to fascia on the building, I really think it could affect the image of the firm on our customers."

Mr Hemsworth's wife, Julie, who also works at the firm, said she was disappointed with the youngsters' lack of care.

"We don't go out there ranting and raving at them.

"We just ask them to avoid the cars, but all we get back is a mouthful of abuse.

"They are putting themselves in danger though. I have seen them trying to retrieve their ball from the inside of the electricity sub-station and our roof.

"We have spent thousands of pounds replacing the fascia.

"We cannot claim on the insurance as they will keep putting up the premiums. It is very frustrating."

Swindon police are now investigating the vandalism and are appealing for any witnesses to call on 01793 528111.

Anthony Osborne