By John Connell

Published at 11:19, Monday, 31 December 2012

A PROMINENT councillor fears he has been the victim of a grudge after his home and car were vandalised.

Attacked over Christmas: Moorclose councillor Peter Bales has had his home and car vandalised during the festive period

Peter Bales has had rocks thrown at his property, leaving him, his family and neighbours upset.

The Allerdale and Workington town councillor cannot understand why he has been targeted, but has urged anyone who has a problem with him to talk to him rather than take violent action.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused when his Ullswater Avenue home and car were targeted during the early hours of Christmas Day.

The glass panel of his front door, the windscreen of his Suzuki Swift car and a bay window were all smashed.

Mr Bales, 64, who was in bed sleeping at the time, said: “It’s upsetting not just for me but for the family and the neighbours. It’s putting everyone on edge.

“There was quite a bit of vandalism over Christmas but I feel that I was targeted. I don’t know why. It isn’t the first time it has happened.

“The last time was about 10 years ago but that wasn’t as severe – it was just eggs and tomatoes.

Mr Bales added: “There is glass everywhere and we are still trying to clear it up. Plus, of course, because it’s the festive season it is very difficult to get the car repaired.”

He said the vandal or vandals had come armed with a bag full of rocks from the shore which had been used as ammunition.

He understands that a neighbour had seen someone jump on a bike and ride off after the attack.

Mr Bales represents the Moorclose ward.

His address appears on the Allerdale Council website. However, he does not feel the assault on his home, where he lives with his wife Anne, was politically motivated.

“If they have got a grudge against me the best way forward would be to come and talk to me about it”, he said.

Anne Fee, 56, who has lived on the street for 30 years, said she was shocked by what happened.

“If anybody has got a grudge or a grievance they should have talked to him. He is very approachable,” she added.

“He is a good family man, and does a lot of good in the community.”

Cumbria Police have confirmed the investigation into the vandalism is ongoing. No arrests had been made so far.

They are urging who witnessed what happened to come forward.

Information can be passed to officers by calling 101.

Meanwhile, Mr Bales received one piece of positive news which had brightened up his troubled Christmas.

“My youngest son Andrew has just got engaged,” he said.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk