VANDALS broke into the building site of a controversial £2.3 million care unit, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

Bricks were thrown at a jetwash and JCB digger at the Canalside Gardens supported living complex in Radcliffe, which incurred damage estimated at about £300.

The break-in happened between 5pm on Thursday and 5am on Friday.

Construction on Canalside Gardens, built on the site of the former Whittaker House between Whittaker Street and Parsonage Street, began last November.

The £2.3 million care unit was a controversial application when it reached Bury Council’s planning control committee last May, receiving 41 complaints from residents.

The purpose-built unit will consist of 14 flats for people with learning difficulties, autism and disabilities.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed the incident was reported at 8.40am on Friday and said it was being investigated as criminal damage.

The offenders were not caught on CCTV, but officers are currently conducting door-to-door enquiries.

The apartments are to be run by landlord Inclusion Housing in partnership with Lifeways, which will provide on-site support for tenants, and developer HB Villages.

They say the unit will provide a safe environment, allowing adults with learning and physical disabilities to live independently and manage their own home and budget.

But last year residents complained using their quiet cul-de-sac as the main access road would exacerbate existing access and parking issues.

Other homeowners voiced fears the facility was inappropriate for a built-up area; that green space and canal access would be lost; and that houses could be overlooked.

Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South, also formally objected to the plans.

Stockport-based GB Building Solutions, the contractor for the project, declined to comment on the break-in. HB Villages also declined to comment and Lifeways was unavailable for comment.