BLACK Country sight loss charity is appealing for an end to a recent spate of “shocking” vandalism to bus stops outside of its base.

The glass panels in two bus stops outside the Beacon Centre have been smashed four times in the past four weeks and it’s now becoming a growing concern for the charity.

Bosses said many of the people who visit the centre to use its services are reliant on public buses and the spate of vandalism – which has seen shattered glass covering the pavement and road around the bus stops – poses a big risk to the blind and partially sighted visitors.

Arwyn Jones, centre CEO, said: “Any act of vandalism is frustrating, but deliberately smashing glass in bus stops where people with no or limited vision need to stand and walk is shocking.

“Smashed glass is a hazard to anyone, but it is even more dangerous for people who cannot see or have limited vision.

“The only way to avoid the sharp debris is to walk on the road which poses another risk.”

Arwyn added: “We are now appealing for an end to this vandalism and for the perpetrators to think about the vulnerable people they are putting at risk.

“We are grateful to the local authority for clearing away the shards of glass promptly and repairing the bus stops, but from the moment it is reported it can naturally take some time which is a concern for us and our visitors.”

The charity has also highlighted the danger to guide dogs that accompany visitors to the centre who may also be at risk.

A regular visitor to the Beacon Centre, who does not wish to be named, added: “I depend on the buses to get to the Beacon Centre, due to my visual impairment travelling independently can be hard and makes me feel vulnerable.

“I rely on the familiarity of my surroundings, so when sharp broken glass is left on my route it makes things even more difficult.”

People concerned with the vandalism, including friends and family of visitors, are being asked to monitor the Beacon Centre Twitter and Facebook feeds for news of any further incidents.