THE multi-million pound rejuvenation of a rundown part of Hartlepool could be ruined by vandals.

Hartlepool Borough Council chiefs are taking action amid fears that the regeneration of the Headland could be scuppered by criminal damage.

They want to raise awareness of the problem in an attempt to stop it undermining the improvement works being carried out.

North area manager Anthony Scarre said: "We believe a small group of young people is behind this vandalism and we are working closely with the police in a determined bid to prevent the actions of a minority ruining the lives of the majority.

"The vandalism mainly takes the form of unsightly graffiti, but there have also been instances of wanton damage, including the demolition of walls."

Photographs of the damage are on display in the council's Headland Neighbourhood Office.

Councillor Edna Wright, chairman of the North Neighbourhood Consultative Forum, said: "I know the vast majority of Headland residents take great pride in the area and it is that sense of community spirit that we want to harness.

"Sadly, this sort of problem isn't just confined to the Headland area. There have been recent instances of damage at the newly-refurbished King Oswy shops and West View Community Centre, so I would urge people anywhere with information about vandalism to contact the police."