VANDALS are hurling huge stone slabs downhill at a Baildon beauty spot and wrecking a popular path used by children on their way to school.

Cut oblong blocks, some weighing up to five stones, which edged the steep path from Green Road to West Lane have been kicked and then tossed down the steep slope below.

"The path is eroded enough as it is and now the steps are being made unsafe as well," said mother-of-two and lifelong resident Shelley Hiles.

Mrs Hiles avoids the town's notorious morning traffic by walking her sons Jacob, 11 and Henry, eight, from their home in Hallfield Drive all the way up the bank and on to Sandal Primary School.

"I went to the same school and I've always love the bank since I was my own children's age," said Spanish teacher Mrs Hiles.

"We have lovely walks and talks to school and now it looks awful on the steps.

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"There are often youngsters hanging around there after dark and there's been a build up of litter of all types including little drug packets and condoms.

"And now they must have kicked at least four of these huge edging stones free before sending them off down the hill.

"It would cost a lot to replace them I know, but the steps are now unsafe.

"It's such a shame as Baildon Bank is such a lovely spot that you wonder how people could do this.

"When you are up there it feels like being on top of the word because of the wonderful view.

"I know it wouldn't be high on Bradford Council's list of priorities to repair the steps, but if nothing is done now it will just become a more expensive problem later."

Councillor Debbie Davies (Con, Baildon) has already contacted both Bradford Council officers and the Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team about the issue of vandalism by youngsters gathering on Baildon Bank.

"Sadly, I've had several reports of this mindless behaviour which is damaging one of the town's true beauty spots and could also lead to someone getting injured," she said.

A West Yorkshire police spokesman said complaints had been received and were being investigated.