A DOCTORS' surgery in Machen has suffered £8,500 of damage after a series of attacks by vandals over the past 18 months.

The spate of vandalism has left the surgery with a long list of essential repairs that must be carried out, its practice manager says.

Even the installation of a security camera at the surgery has failed to deter those responsible for the damage.

The vandals ripped the security camera off the wall - and they have also broken two shutters and cracked the surgery's guttering.

Pipes have been ripped down twice and an attempt has also been made to burn the postbox.

When the vandals failed to do this, they ripped the box off the wall.

Practice manager Jane Billington said that one Saturday morning the lights were fused and staff had to wait for an electrician to come out.

The staff now believe that those responsible for the vandalism climb in from behind and move the security cameras into the wall, to avoid being captured on camera. The surgery serves 2,200 patients and Mrs Billington said: "The practice provides a service and I am being prevented from doing this. The money could be spent on patient services - but instead we are having to pay for the repairs."

Police confirmed that the most recent spate of incidents happened on November 5.

PC Gareth Jones, of Bedwas police station, said: "This has been ongoing and we are looking for witnesses and would urge them to contact us regarding these incidents."

Anyone with information can contact PC Jones on 02920 885300.