A shopkeeper who is faced with a £2,000 bill after her shop window was smashed was today at the end of her tether after constant vandalism attacks.

Sharon Clearey, owner of Dry Cleaning Plus in the Asda complex in North Shoebury Road, Shoebury, claims vandals who smashed her plate glass window have brought her business to a virtual halt until a new window can be fitted.

Mrs Clearey said: "Asda has passed on responsibility for security to a managing agent who tells us if we want more security we have to pay for it. Security people are here until 10pm, but the kids know that and wait.

Angry - Melanie Montagu of Dry Cleaning Plus stands by the smashed glass Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

"The shop next door to me has been empty for a year and there is not a week that goes by without it being vandalised."

Mrs Clearey is opening the door only to let people collect their clothes but cannot open until a new window is fitted.

She said: "I have no idea how long it could take. We run a shoe repair and key cutting business within the shop and that has come to a halt."

Paul Fisher, from managing agents Irwin Fisher, said: "If the tenants meet and decide they want to pay for more security then we will comply with that."

Published Tuesday November 5, 2002

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