SELFISH vandals are ruining Newton Abbot's chances of defending their Britain in Bloom trophy.

In less than a month, hundreds of pounds worth of expensive displays have been pulled down, emptied, smashed or mutilated, bringing the Newton Abbot in Bloom committee to the end of its tether.

Newton Abbot is already entered for the competition, taking place this summer, but there is now a very real chance that the town may be unable to hold on to the St Bridget's Cup which it was awarded last year.

Since June 15, four troughs, each worth about £40, four hanging baskets, costing about £15 each, and two fence-display containers have been vandalised and one basket has been stolen.

The clock tower, Sherborne Road and the war memorial have all been targeted.

Newton Abbot town councillor David Howe, chairman of the Britain in Bloom committee, said it was the vicious circle of vandalism/repair/vandalism that was so troubling.

'We have already used up about 20 per cent of our budget on fitting, replacing and repairing displays,' said Cllr Howe, 'but it is not the money, it is the frustration. We are already in the competition but we are now thinking should we just take everything down?

'We know exactly what sort of people are doing this. It's the Friday-Saturday night mentality, isn't it?

'It reminds me of the behaviour of chimpanzees. When they get spurned they run about destroying things; it's that part of human nature unfortunately.

'It's not just for us to solve the problem. We need others in the town to feel a sense of outrage. If people see damage being done they need to report it. We have to help the police if they are to help us.' he said.

'I understand that the police have more important things to do with their CCTV, but if we could just catch one person that might get the message across. Maybe we could have two or three weeks of American-style zero tolerance to put an end to it!

'At the moment though we just have to do the best we can, but it is difficult; for instance the brackets, two of which were stolen from the Sherborne Road car park display, take about three to four weeks to make. You do ask yourself "Is it worth it?" Last year the significance of our win was sadly lost in the horrendous happenings in New York. This year I am minded to cancel our entry. The way things are going , there is little likelihood of anything being left to judge.'