A SURGERY in the Valleys has been under siege from a group of "disgraceful vandals" over the past month.

In just four weeks Pontllanfraith Health Centre has had:

* Guttering and downpipes pulled down on three separate occasions. * A wheelie bin set on fire. * Several windows put through. * A clinical waste container broken into and its contents - used syringe needles - left lying around on the premises.

The incidents, which have all occurred in the past month, were reported to Blackwood police.

And officers say they are determined to end the vandal misery - but need the help of local people to achieve that.

Sergeant Fran Richley said: "We have been made aware of the incidents and we recognise there is a problem with vandalism at the health centre in Pontllanfraith.

"If anyone has information about who is responsible then they need to contact us.

"Also, if anyone sees any groups of people hanging around at the health centre after closing time I would urge them contact us straight away."

He added: "We need to work together with the community to solve this problem because we cannot have a police officer staying there all the time."

No one from the surgery was available to comment at the weekend. But the spate of incidents has been reported to Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge, who in turn brought it to the attention of Alun Jones - crime reduction officer at Caerphilly county borough council - and Mike Workman of the mobile CCTV unit.

Councillor Etheridge told the Argus he is "appalled and dismayed" by the damage caused in the last month.

He said: "I believe these acts of wanton vandalism are a disgrace and firm action must be taken against the people who seem to have no regard for the Health Centre."

He added: "It's obvious that these vandals have very little regard for the more vulnerable people in society who are visiting the health centre and I think it is disgraceful."

* Anyone with information should contact Blackwood police on 01495 223673.