Vandals have left taxpayers with a bill to pick up after kicking in the roof and door of a council depot in Witney.

The attack, over last weekend, followed another attempted break-in on the town council works depot at The Leys just seven days previously which also resulted in a trail of damage.

Mayor Chrissie Curry said yesterday: "This time the damage was significant, with an estimated cost in the region of £2,000.

"Again, this has taken up the time of the works staff rectifying the damage, which is an added cost to the council and ultimately the ratepayers of Witney."

Police have been informed, but they have no CCTV images to help them track the offenders.

Ms Curry added: "The vandalism is getting beyond a joke.

"I suppose one answer is CCTV on the depot, but the cost of this is high and we do not have the resources at the moment. Frankly, there are more populated and important areas in the town."

Nothing of great value is stored at the depot. The council employs contractors who bring their own machinery for routine work on the town's recreation and sports grounds.

Ms Curry said: "I am getting more than fed up with this type of behaviour, as are the vast majority of people in Witney who have to pay for it."