SHOP workers are furious after graffiti almost 10 feet high was daubed across a newly-painted white wall of their premises.

Employees at Rowlands Pharmacy, on the corner of King Street and Market Street in Westhoughton, saw the thick, black lettering when they arrived for work.

The grafitti, of people's names, was daubed across the shop's King Street wall, which was repainted by the company only four weeks ago.

Staff believe the grafitti was done by youngsters who had been drinking on Market Street.

Manageress Janet Thompson said: "It's disgraceful. They've obviously just been bored and seen a new canvass.

"It's just disrespectful. They don't think, because they probably don't have houses or businesses of their own."

Staff at Toymaster, on the opposite corner of King Street, came into work later in the week to find that their shop had also been targeted.

Manager Craig Hope said: "It's just trouble-making. Fortunately, our wall is due to be repainted but it's a worry that it'll put customers off because it gives us a scruffy image."

Local councillor Arthur Price said that the behaviour would not be tolerated.

"These businesses spend a lot of money making the town centre look half-decent and it's just wasted," he said. "Damage like this is not the sort of thing we want to see in Westhoughton. This will not be tolerated.

"There are plans to be put into action by the police and I will be working very closely with them."

Steve Howard, police community support officer in Westhoughton, said: "I would urge young people to think how they would feel if their own property was damaged.

"We take criminal damage very seriously.

"There's a good CCTV system on Market Street and the vandals will be followed up if they are caught."