VANDALS have landed health bosses with a £10,000 repair bill in just four months in a spate of attacks on medical centres across Bolton.

The NHS was left footing the bill after incidents between April and August this year.

And the figure does not include the cost of vandalism to two health centres in Deane and Little Lever last weekend - which has been estimated at £3,000.

A total of 18 skylights were smashed at Little Lever Community Health Centre on Mytham Road, and excrement was daubed on windows as vandals went on a late-night wrecking spree.

The centre has suffered repeated incidents over the last twelve months.

Health bosses say the incidents are on the increase and are urging the public to be vigilant and report anti-social behaviour against their properties. Hulton Hospital, on Hulton Lane, Deane, has also been a target. Vandals have broken into the building and caused internal damage.

A spokesman for Bolton Primary care Trust said there were also additional costs of reviewing and improving security as a result of the attacks.

She said: "Over the last few years, we have had to employ security guards at some health centres, which is a significant cost, and these measures detract from spending NHS monies on health care.

"Vandalism is a major problem and is occurring more and more. We would like the public to support us and be vigilant. If they do see people vandalising our properties, we would ask them to report it."

Councillors in Little Lever say they are concerned about a rise in vandalism in the village, particularly around the health centre.

Cllr Mary Woodward said: "This has been ongoing for several months and we don't know what to do about it.

"These things happen late at night when there is no-one around and no police presence. The latest attack, to damage a community health centre itself, just shows the mentality of these people. They have no respect for anyone or anything."

Cllr Maureen Connell said she was aware that large gangs of youths congregated in around the health centre, which is adjacent to a playground.

She said: "This vandalism is certainly a problem.

"I don't know why people would want to target this building as it is obviously a much-needed community facility."