A NEWSAGENT owner in Trimley St Mary was today facing a �100 bill after a teenager allegedly smashed her window with his fist.
A NEWSAGENT owner in Trimley St Mary was today facing a �100 bill after a teenager allegedly smashed her window with his fist.
The vandal is believed to have taken himself to hospital shortly after, leaving a trail of blood at the Farmlands paper shop in Faulkener's Way.
The incident, which took place at around 8pm last Wednesday, took place in the wake of a war words between police and councillors over who is responsible for the crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
It is believed the teenager put his fist through the window while hanging out with friends at the front the shop, which was closed at the time.
The owners were alerted by a member of the public who had noticed the damage. Police are now investigating.
Sally Hope, co-owner of Farmlands, said: “We got someone out to board up the window that night. We are just waiting for insurance quotes. But we have got pay a �100 excess and our premiums will go up.”
Mrs Hope is now considering installing metal grills over her shop front - as other businesses in the parade have been forced to do over the years.
At Finicky's Hair design next door, owner Nick Murrell said he has been clearing up vomit and broken glass from the front of his premises for the last 18 years.
He claimed the damage his shop used to sustain, until he invested in metal grills five years ago, was so bad insurers refused to cover him.
He said: “Groups of lads congregate here, drinking. They can be very disruptive. The police say there is nothing they can do about it.”
Parish councillors believe the latest problems are caused by teenagers heading over the new A14 Port of Felixstowe Road footbridge.
Earlier this year, councillor Graham Harding demanded more support from police officers.
But Inspector Steve Gallant, from Felixstowe police, hit back by telling community leaders it was up to them to create more facilities for youngsters.
Is anti-social behaviour a problem in Trimley? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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