Over the weekend of the Penarth Christmas light switch on local businesses became the target of criminal damage and vandalism.

Artisans corner and Coffee 1 both had their windows smashed whilst others had christmas tree planters spoilt over the busy weekend.

Nub News spoke to Sandra James from the Artisans Corner about the damage to their store.

She said: ''We arrived midday Sunday to open for the lights switch on and found a very dangerous crack running side to side across the window and also running from the top down.

''We immediately sought help from the Production 78 team who supplied us with a barrier for temporary safety until the glazier arrived to board it up.

''Sadly there has been an ongoing spate of evening/ nighttime vandalism.

''Our flower planter was recently kicked over as was our next door neighbours, and plants are regularly damaged/ pulled out.

"For the most part people in Penarth are incredibly supportive of their local independent businesses and we thank you all.

''We take pride in our community and want to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone visiting Penarth Town Center.

''It is such a shame that a small minority choose to spoil things."

Jack Mcinally, the owner of Not Socks Again, echoed this statement when discussing the vandalism of their, and others, outdoor Penarth in Bloom christmas trees.

He said: ''We like to take the trees to help the Council's Penarth in Bloom campaign, but it was really sad that two nights in a row the trees were pulled out of the boxes.

''The silver lining was that on both occasions good Samaritans replanted then for us before we could do it.''

Nub News contacted South Wales police for a statement. They said: ''During the Penarth Christmas lights switch on last Saturday night, officers received reports of criminal damage at Artisans corner and Coffee 1.

''These incidents are under investigation. Anyone with any information which will assist the police in these investigations is asked to call South Wales Police on 101.

''There have been no further reports of damage in this area.''