A SUCCESSFUL video shop launch was marred this week when vandals caused £200 worth of damage to brand new equipment.

Videotech boss Ken Fallows was pleased with the Biddulph store's opening at the weekend with dozens of people showing their interest in the new business.

But within a couple of days the equipment had been vandalised and he is having to put in new security measures costing up to £2,000 to try and stop it happening again.

The Videotech store, in Kingsfield Road, opened on Saturday with its unusual automated video hire allowing people to get films out even when the shop is closed.

The Cinebank machine is similar to bank cash machines and is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Now cameras and a new security entrance are being installed which people will need to swipe their video card through to get to the machine.

"We had a great launch with lots of people coming along on Saturday and Sunday but unfortunately we've already had some vandalism," said Mr Fallows.

"It's such a shame, we're now having more security put in so we're looking at another £1,500 to £2,000, but if you want to stay in business that's what you have to do."

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