For the first three-quarters of the 2016/17 financial year vandalism in Wellington and Dubbo has cost $60,451.

The Wellington Times and The Daily Liberal put a call out to the members of the community to find where they would have preferred the money had been spent.

Overwhelmingly, residents called for better roads and footpaths.

One respondent said the roads and potholes in Wellington were “getting bad”, while another suggestion said the $60,000 could have been spent on “roads, roads, roads”.

Suggestions were also made for the footpaths in Warne Street to get a makeover.

Matt Mara said the money could have been used to reduce the rent for vacant shops. They also suggested establishing a burn out pad.

Hiring local security guards was a further idea put forward for the money.

Patricia Shumack said she would like to see a youth street art project in Wellington, targeting unengaged youths.

Due to the council amalgamation it’s the first time Wellington has been included in the vandalism figures, which could account for why this year the cost looks to be higher than the previous two years.

In 2015/16 vandalism cost the community $66,099, while the year before it was $64,140.

Of the $60,000 in damage this financial year, $11,754 has been committed in Wellington.

Vandalism is classified by council as willful damage, such as breaking a window for fun, without the intent to commit a robbery.