A POST office that has been targeted by vandals may have to close because its owner cannot afford to keep up repairs.

Eston Post Office, in High Street, Eston, has been the target of young vandals and burglars over the past 12 months.

At the weekend, there were three burglaries, including one when cash, cigarettes and ornaments were stolen.

The haul of ornaments included a large model lion, Indian figures and a red and maroon touch lamp.

Owner David Whitehouse said he could no longer afford to keep the post office open due to the financial implication of the burglaries.

Insurance companies are now refusing to cover him and he has to pay to have the shop and associated flats boarded up.

Manager Janis Paylor said the problems started three years ago when supermarket chain Aldi, which was due to redevelop the Eston precinct, asked for the flats above the post office to be vacated.

The supermarket has since pulled out of the deal, while Mr Whitehouse has suffered three years of torment at the hands of youths, aged 13 upwards, who have frequently set fire to the flats.

Ms Paylor said: "Most of the break-ins happen after 7pm when we've locked up for the evening. It's just constant.

"The gangs wait for us to leave, then prise open the shutters, break down the windows that have been boarded up, and have even pulled out water pipes in the flats so we get flooded out in the shop below.

"We need more support from the police to stop these youths, who take pleasure in ruining someone's business."

PC Andrew Anderson, who has had talks with Mr Whitehouse, said: "We are looking at some improvements to the security system and we will be doing more high profile checks on the area throughout the night."

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call PC Anderson on (01642) 301926.