Damage was caused to the roof of St Michael’s Church Hall in the early hours of Saturday morning when people climbed on to it to leave traffic cones up there.
The damage was done at around 2.15am on Saturday morning – the culprits also took two traffic cones on to the roof – leaving the committee with a bill to pay when they are desperately raising money for the hall’s refurbishment.
Call police on 101 – quoting serial number 622 of 31st August – if you have any information.
Dennis Abbott from the church hall committee said: “The culprits climbed on to the hall roof and put two of our traffic cones on the finials over the cupola and the decorative piece on the roof over the entrance hall. In the process of doing this act of gross stupidity they broke a number of roof tiles, dislodged ridge tiles on the main roof and also completely removed the end ridge tile above the pavement. There is also damage to one of the finials.
“I despair of this and similar acts in the town. I am particularly annoyed that whilst we were not allowed to replace a window with PVC as we are in a conservation area, councils have no problem allowing four take-aways which stay open very late, within 50 metres of each other! I suspect it is their clientele who do this sort of thing, and also leave copious amounts of food rubbish and litter on the steps of the hall and in the street.”
Town and borough councillor Jill Hood added: “I imagine the culprits thought it was a really good prank and didn’t even consider the financial implications. The church hall is struggling for funds to keep it going and provides a vital service to the community. This isn’t the first time the hall has been hit by vandalism and only last week the entrance pillars to the Church and steps were daubed with graffiti.”
There is a quiz night at the church hall on Saturday 28th September, 7.30pm for 8pm start. Teams of up to six people are needed to take part at £6 per person, which includes supper. Contact Nichola on 07866101998 or nichola.abbott@googlemail.com to reserve your place.
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