VANDALS have wreaked havoc at a market, destroying stalls and spraying graffiti. Hitchin market has come under attack in recent weeks with yobs breaking up stalls and throwing them into the nearby River Hiz. It comes at a sensitive time for the market who

VANDALS have wreaked havoc at a market, destroying stalls and spraying graffiti.

Hitchin market has come under attack in recent weeks with yobs breaking up stalls and throwing them into the nearby River Hiz.

It comes at a sensitive time for the market whose future, which could see it being passed in to private hands, is still being considered.

Lance Raperport, market manager for North Hertfordshire District Council, confirmed that there had been a number of incidents of vandalism and graffiti at the market recently.

He said: "This is only happening out of hours, but it costs us time and money to clear up and it is bad for the image of the market, which has recently been improving."

The council are seeking to work more closely with the police to resolve the problem.

Cllr Ian Knighton, the portfolio holder responsible for markets, said: "We are determined to protect the interests of our stall holders and their customers. We will be giving the police all the help we can and I would appeal to anyone witnessing vandalism to contact the police straight away.