SECURITY cameras could be installed at two bus shelters that have been frequently targeted by vandals.

The shelters close to Wilton Village, near Redcar, have been repeatedly smashed - sometimes only days after being repaired. Last weekend, every pane of glass in the shelters was broken.

Since their installation on the village slip road in May 2004, there have been nine incidents at one of the shelters, with 11 panels of glass smashed, and two incidents at the other, with four panels being shattered.

A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said the repair bill each year for shelters across the borough ran into five figures.

"It is a sad fact that vandalism of bus shelters has become a familiar and expensive problem for every council in the country. We are only too aware that it is a serious issue. We are investigating whether CCTV would be suitable at either of the locations."

Independent Councillor Liz Beadle, who represents Wilton Village, said bus shelters in nearby Lazenby had also been targeted.

"I think CCTV is something the council should look at. It needs to be tackled once and for all," she said.

"But perhaps there could be an alternative to glass panes, such as reinforced Perspex."

A resident from Wilton Village, who did not wish to be named, agreed that an alternative to glass should be used.

He said: "There are only very young children in the village, so we know the culprits are from elsewhere, but it is getting out of hand now. They need to be caught and punished."

Anyone with information is asked to call Redcar police on 01642-302626.