A TAUNTON postmaster is refusing to clean up graffiti from his Post Office windows because he feels the police and council are doing nothing to stop it happening again.

Ronny Bell, who runs the Post Office on Roman Road, says he is fed up with his shop being targeted and the cost to him of fixing the broken windows and graffiti.

Mr Bell, who leases the shop space from Taunton Deane Council, says his shop and others in the area have been repeatedly attacked over the past few years with graffiti sprayed on them and their windows broken.

However, he feels nothing is being done to stop it and is threatening to board his shop up.

He said: "There have been at least five separate incidents in the past four of five months, yet every time I contact the police and the council for help nothing happens.

"The police never turn up to find out information when the windows are smashed, or graffiti sprayed, and they never look at the CCTV cameras we have in the area.

"I have met with the council and the police on this but the council still haven't got back to me with any help.

"Every time something happens I have to pay out. It has got to the stage now where I am not prepared to pay any more.

"I shall leave the graffiti there and if the windows are broken again I shall just board them up."

But the police said they are looking into vandalism problems in the area.

Insp Mike Ashwin said: "I have spoken personally to Mr Bell and given him my personal assurance that we will be looking into not only his incident of criminal damage, but also others in the area.

"Our priorities are always to deal with on-going incidents; however, that doesn't deter from the fact we will investigate the damage to the Post Office."

Taunton Deane Council is also investigating - a spokesman said: "We are looking into the situation and will be in contact with the police to see what can be done.

"We will be in touch."