SECURITY cameras could be installed at an over-50s day centre after a charity’s minibuses were wrecked by vandals for a second time.

Thugs used stones or air rifles to smash windows on two specialist mini-buses designed to transport disabled people and wheelchair users throughout the borough.

Basildon Community Transport Service has asked Basildon Council to fit CCTV in the grounds of the George Hurd Centre, in Audley Way, Basildon, where its vehicles are parked.

In late 2012 the Echo reported how its fleet of buses were hit by thieves, who smashed windows and doors in a bid to steal equipment, including a sat nav.

A council report has revealed vandals also smashed windows on two buses at the end of last year, while theywere in a locked parking area.

Basildon Community Transport Service provides subsidised bus travel for the disabled so they can get out and about and socialise.

Tina Tickner, chief executive of the charity, said: “The back windows were broken with stones or an air rifle. They were out of action for two months because they needed new specialist safety glass. It had a real impact on the service and led to a lot of cancellations.”

The organisation survives on grants from Basildon Council, Essex County Council and other donations.

Briscoe Women’s Institute, based in Pitsea, recently donated £1,000.

Details of the request for security cameras emerged in a council review of the service, designed to establish whether it should still receive a £50,000 annual grant.

High maintenance costs and major faults meant ageing vehicles were also forced to stay off the road.

In a written report to the performance and scrutiny committee, a Basildon Council spokesman said: “Members were concerned the organisation had been the subject of vandalism on council premises and discussed whether it was appropriate for CCTV to be installed in the parking area.”