Vandalism at West End ferry stops has prompted the Department of Marine and Ports to protect the area with extra lighting and security measures.

The department will be funding a project at the Cavello, Watford Bridge, Somerset Bridge and Boaz Island ferry stops to give the stops a general makeover.

Maintenance efforts will begin within the next several weeks once the planning department gives its final approval.

Director of Marine & Ports Barry Coupland said yesterday that smashed lights and general destruction at the Cavello, Watford Bridge, and Somerset Bridge stops and stops like Rockaway, which are far back from the road, would require the department to put extra effort and money into maintenance. It is hoped that brighter lighting will discourage vandals lurking in the area.

?It isn?t as if we don?t have good lighting,? said Mr. Coupland.

?We have had lights that have been kicked and broken. Much of this vandalism we?re seeing is denigration of lights and equipment.?

Three lights at the Rockaway stop have been kicked and smashed posing safety hazards to ferry boat drivers.

As each stop is repaired it will be closed leaving the closest stop open for business as usual.

In order to accommodate the new foil catamaran ferries and ferries Mr. Coupland said extra rubber fenders would be installed at the stops to protect the ferries as they dock.

He did not have an exact figure for the cost of repairs.