Teenage vandals have ‘trashed’ and set on fire a new village youth shelter just outside Shrewsbury, leaving damage which could cost more than £1,000 to repair.
The state-of-the-art shelter in Cross Houses, designed to be a meeting point for youngsters, has been targeted by vandals only six weeks after it was put in place.
Located near to the village shop on the main A458 road, the shelter has been left needing major repair work in an attack around two weeks ago which left a panelled light smashed after youths reportedly set it on fire.
The community had been fundraising to buy a wireless bluetooth device to be fitted to the shelter, providing teenagers with internet access at the meeting place.
But now the project has been put on hold by members of Berrington Parish Council as they weigh up whether it is worth carrying on with the fundraising venture.
Shropshire councillor, Claire Wild, said: “These young adults have completely trashed it and the damage is horrendous.
“The shelter has only been up a few weeks and it’s just a small minority that are ruining it for the other children in the village.
“It really is amazing the damage that has been caused. The light inside the shelter was virtually indestructible but even that has been burnt out by youths and it will cost at least £1,000 to repair.”
Andrew Powis, of Berrington Parish Council, said: “It’s a great disappointment and a blow to the village. It seems the more we try and do for people the more abuse they give back.
“We had been trying to raise money to get bluetooth put in the shelter to give youngsters in the village internet access outside the home but that has been put on hold for now. It’s just not worth raising any more money if this kind of thing is going to happen and we have to weigh up if it’s justifiable.”
Police spokesperson, Richard Ewels, said: “If anybody sees damage being caused to the youth shelter or any other property in the village, then we would ask them to contact police on 0300 3333000 or by calling the anonymous Crimestoppers number on 0800 555111.”
By David Seadon