STAFF of a Bolton "fair trade" business fear their shop is being targeted by animal rights protesters after a display window was smashed five times in three weeks.

Justicia, in Knowsley Street, prides itself on selling items from Third World countries and paying the producers a fair price for their goods.

But frustrated staff believe someone has taken exception to them selling musical instruments, mainly from Africa, which contain animal skins.

A display of ethnic instruments was put into the window nearest St George's Road before Christmas and the vandalism started in mid January when a window, which costs £200 a time to replace, was shattered.

The damage has been repeated four times since.

Nothing has been stolen and puzzled manager at the shop, Margaret Johnston, believes whoever is causing the damage mistakenly believes the pelts of wild animals have been used to make the instruments.

Checks with suppliers have confirmed that the skins used are mainly cow and goat hides and are by-products of animals slaughtered for food.

"There is no threat to any species and no cruelty and killing just for the sake of making musical instruments," said Mrs Johnston.

She added that the shop, which was formerly known as the Christian Tradeshop, also sells vegetarian and vegan products and the products are made by some of the poorest people in the world.

Despite moving some of the instruments out of the window, the attacks have continued. The latest was on Sunday night.

"We are incredulous," said Mrs Johnston "There seems to be nothing we can do. Why anyone should behave destructively to us we can't understand."

But Mrs Johnston says they will not be deterred from selling the instruments.

"It is very discouraging but we are not going to be daunted by it," she said.

The window display is now about to be changed for one containing wooden animal carvings and ornaments. "If people object to us selling wood then they will have to come and explain it to us," said Mrs Johnston.

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