CALLOUS thieves have targeted an activity centre which helps people with learning difficulties.

Police said offenders broke into Coldwell Activity Centre, in Back Lane, Southfield, near Nelson.

They forced their way into three locked sheds, making off with a cement mixer, a variety of tools and clothing, together valued at £200.

Staff at the centre are now organising an Easter Fun Day to raise money to pay for replacement equipment.

Co-ordinator Claire Ansell said the centre, which gives people with learning difficulties a place to grow their own plants and vegetables, was targeted by thieves and vandals regularly last summer.

And she is worried the problems may have resurfaced.

Mrs Ansell said: “It’s horrible, it makes me feel sick. If they don’t steal anything they just throw things about.We have polytunnels and they have stolen plants and vegetables like onions and potatoes in the past.

“A lot of the people who volunteer here have learning difficulties and like every-thing to be a certain way, so if anything changes they can get quite anxious.

“We had to ask them not to come down while we tried to get everything straight. We are coming in every morning and going straight down to see if anything has been damag-ed. It’s disheartening for staff as well.”

The Fun Day will include archery, a bouncy castle, orienteering, bric-a-brac stall, refreshments, face-painting, raffle and tombola. It will take place between noon and 3pm on Easter Monday.

Police who are investigating the theft said it happened overnight between Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday 14.