TOWN councillors have slammed the mindless vandals who have targeted displays put up for the Tour de Yorkshire.

Over the past month a series of attacks have been made on decorated bikes put out for the event in Norton, which comes through the town on Friday.

However, over the weekend bows and wrap were taken off the trees outside Derwent Swimming Pool in Church Street and strewn over a give-way sign at the junction in Mill Street. A bike was also thrown in the river.

Cllr Sharon Cawte said: “I am furious to say the least. Within eight hours of myself and Gill Plues from Malton WI finishing dressing the trees at the swimming pool, some mindless disrespect yob has ripped the bows off them and thrown a bike in the river.

“Never mind the hard work local councillors and volunteers have put in to make an effort, this mindless behaviour makes Norton and Malton look like a dumping ground for scum. Zero tolerance should be implemented to get our towns back to the lovely places they used to be.

“A minority of idiots are making this area a horrid place to live.”

Norton mayor Cllr Ray King said over the past month there had been a lot of vandalism to the Tour de Yorkshire bikes.

“These mindless vandals will not undermine the dedication of the town council and volunteers and we will continue to replace or repair anything that is damaged ahead of the event on Friday,” he said.

“I would urge anyone who has any further information about these incidents to contact the police.”

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “We will be investigating any reports of vandalism or anti-social behaviour."