A BURGER van owner who is being plagued by vandalism says she may be forced out of business.

Vivienne Garkut, of Pontywaun, has had to spend hundreds of pounds repairing damage caused by vandals targeting the Munch Box mobile takeaway she operates near Sheedy's scrapyard in Cwmcarn.

The most terrifying incident came two-and-half weeks ago, when youngsters set an empty gas bottle alight, which caused a substantial fire to the rear of the van. Mrs Garkut said if it wasn't for the prompt action of the fire brigade the blaze may have spread to a full gas bottle just yards away and caused a massive explosion.

She said: "How the people who set it on fire didn't burn themselves I don't know, but what they did was so stupid and dangerous."

In the past two months alone, the van has been: Broken into on numerous occasions; Has had two skylights put through; Cupboards ripped off; Had its roof replaced after being damaged beyond repair; Has had several padlocks broken.

Mrs Garkut said: "We are having to spend money repairing the van all the time but there is a big nuisance factor involved as well because it is stopping you from trading. "I've been running the van for six-and-a-half years and I'm hoping my daughter will eventually take it off me but if it gets too bad I have to think about whether it is worth my while.

"I like doing what I do but if it get worse I will have to think again about carrying on. I've worked really hard trying to build the business up and I have got a good reputation but every time something like this happens it knocks you back."

Sergeant Simon Clarke, of Newbridge police, said: "We are investigating the reports of vandalism and we would ask anyone with information to contact the station on 01495 243432."