THE empty shop previously occupied by the Adriatico Italian restaurant on Douglas Bridge Galashiels has been subjected to a spate of vandalism since it closed several months ago.

A lower glass panel on the front door has been kicked in and the other one smashed.

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A white liquid has been thrown at the door and windows.

Inside a large block of plaster from the ceiling is now lying on the floor.

Border Telegraph: Empty premises on Douglas Bride Galashiels

On Monday evening June 26 the front door was forced open and the premises remain insecure.

A fire extinguisher believed to have been removed from the building is now in the Gala Water.

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A concerned local who did not want to be identified said: “This has been going on for some time and the police and council are aware but won’t do anything. They say it’s because it’s private property but the place is dangerous.

“If children were to go inside some plaster could come down from the ceiling and hurt them.

Border Telegraph: Fire extingusher in Gala Water

“The glass panels were smashed last week but I just noticed the door had been forced this morning and the fire extinguisher wasn’t in the river yesterday (Sunday June 25) so I assume it’s from the shop.”

Police Scotland has been approached for comment.