MEASURES to deter vandals and squatters from attacking a prominent Newton Abbot building have been installed.

Big blue fencing has been put around the former David and Charles site at the entrance to the Brunel Industrial Estate.

The building, set to become an Aldi store, has been left empty for a number of years and has attracted some unwelcome guests.

Police have been tackling anti-social behaviour and squatters for some time and now the owners have joined in the fight to stop the pests.

One of the vandals’ legacies has been unsightly graffiti painted on the windows, in some instances spelling out the word DEAD.

The discount supermarket giant is poised to open up a new store at the defunt former book publishers once it has finalised a financial agreement with Devon County Council.

Back in June Aldi’s property director Rob Jones said the current eyesore offers nothing to the community.

‘Without our application the site will remain unused and an unattractive gateway to the town,’ he said.

David and Charles’ lease on the 1,600 square metre building ran out in December 2015.