VANDALS have caused more than £2,000 worth of damage at a unit for children with special needs after striking for the second time in two weeks.

Specially toughened double glazed windows were shattered by a fusillade of rocks and bricks which sent showers of glass over special equipment at the Hansel and Gretel Family Support Unit in Radford Avenue some time between August 25 and 28. Sue Hunter outside the Hansel and Gretel Family Support Unit which has been vandalised for a second time.

The attack ruined special matting and a fibreoptic rug, both of which will have to be thrown away, and caused the closure of a sound and light room at the start of term.

In addition, the playground with special rubber matting was closed while glass was cleared.

But soon after £1,000 was spent on replacing two windows in the sound and light room and a window in the bathroom, vandals struck for a second time over the weekend.

Acting unit leader Sue Hunter said she was distraught at the further destruction by "mindless vandals" at a facility unique in the county.

The unit, funded through the county council's Social Services department, the health authority and a family support unit group, provides activities for up to 40 children aged three months to five years with special needs, as well as support for their parents.

Mrs Hunter said the attack appeared to be sheer vandalism as nothing had been taken during the incidents.

She said: "I can't understand why anyone would attack a unit which cares for children with special needs and which provides a facility for this community."

She said parents who turned up at the school on Monday were shocked by the second attack on the special room which used stimulating lights, sound and aromatherapy to relax children and to help with their hand-eye co-ordination.

Mrs Hunter added it appeared the hard surface of tennis courts in St George's Park opposite had been broken up and thrown through two double glazed windows in the room made of specially toughened glass and through the outer window of the bathroom. Bricks were also thrown.A portable cassette player in the sound and light room was also ruined.

Anyone who witnessed the attack or who has any information is asked to contact Kidderminster Police on 01562 820888.