AN MP claims a council could have the cure for the devastating vandalism of a town's library in its own hands.

Cleveland Police have warned that Guisborough library is being targeted by hooligans responsible for continuing graffiti and window smashing attacks and have appealed to members of the public to be vigilant and report those responsible.

But Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar has carried out his own investigations.

He said: "I have looked at the library site at night and was shocked to find an almost complete absence of any street lighting on the pathway that runs past the library.

"I think this is one of the reasons why the building is becoming a target. We must remember the library is fairly new - replacing the old library which was burnt down in an act of arson."

Dr Kumar said: "I do not want to see a repeat of this and that is why I am now asking Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to look urgently at installing street lighting around the library building and repairing any lighting which is defective.

"New lighting is, I believe, the key to keeping the library secure for the townsfolk and the library's users."

The council is to investigate the MP's claims.