LIVES are being made miserable as vandals run riot in Maryport.

In recent weeks the head of a Silent Soldier was knocked off, boats untied form their moorings, bins set alight and a shop window broken.

Yobs are also knocking on the doors of elderly people around the harbour area and running away.

They have also vandalised floral displays at the railway station which were established by volunteers through the Maryporters Group who had adopted it.

Maryport Mayor, Peter Kendall described the situation as "unreal and unforgivable."

He said he knew of a young family on King Street, near the harbour, who had moved to another part of town for peace.

"I don't know if it is correct but I have been told by some that this is a vice versa thing - that Workington yobs are coming here causing damage and public disorder and Maryport ones are doing the same in Workington."

Cumbria Police, who this week issued a statement that they were clamping down on antisocial behaviour in Maryport, said they would not comment on "motivation".

The window of the Polish Shop in Senhouse Street has been the latest target of the vandals.

The "beheading" of the Silent Soldier - a memorial to those who died in World War One, happened after a meeting between Netherhall School children and local veterans after previous damage to the Memorial Gardens.

Mr Kendall said he had been given reason to believe that it was an older age group causing havoc in the town.

"We are going to hear the same old story - that there is nothing for young people to do in Maryport.

"I don't know a town where so many people give so much time to youth as they do in Maryport. When people say there is nothing to do, what they mean is there is nothing for these yobs to do who only want to get drunk and behave badly.

"What they are doing is just appalling."

Debbie Wright, chairman of Maryporters, said a lot of voluntary effort had gone into the station and the damage there was very disheartening, "but so is everything else that is going on. It is just a shame for the town."

Cumbria Police said they are tackling antisocial behaviour in the town but warned that they continue to need the help of the public.

Inspector Rachel Gale from the Allerdale Neighbourhood policing team said “Our team is overseeing the recent spate of antisocial behaviour in the area to help coordinate our response.“We know the detrimental affect these incidents have on our communities and we are working with partner agencies to address and take robust action against those involved in this behaviour.

“We will be exploring all appropriate interventions and sanctions available to address the offending.

“It’s important that the public continue to report incidents to us so that we are aware of the issues and can respond accordingly.

“We also need the support of parents of those who may be involved. Do you know where your child is, who they are with and what they are doing?”The public can also contact Maryport’s Community Beat Officer PC Stacy Hucker who is the locally based officer working with the community to tackle local issues.

She will also be at Maryport Rugby Club on Monday 7th February with other officers to discuss issues and provide advice to the public. report incidents or contact PC Hucker online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit or by calling 101.

In an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, always call 999.

Alternatively, reports can be made completely anonymously, by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.