Elderly day centre face £1,000 repair bill after attack by vandals

Derwent Hall was targeted on Sunday night when security cameras were broken for the second time in six months.

Windows were also smashed as yobs threw large stones at the building.

Staff and councillors have said that the building is being ‘repeatedly targeted’ and is in a ‘vulnerable’ location, as no other properties overlook it.

Police have said they will be stepping up patrols in the area after the incidents were reported to them.

Manager Julie Brindle said she is ‘annoyed’ as the charity cannot afford to keep paying for damage.

She said: “The cameras cost us more than £500 to replace last time and we are going to have to go through all of that again.

“I am annoyed more than anything.

“We are an independent charity and we cannot afford to keep paying out like this.

“We do feel as if we are vulnerable because we are set back from the road and no one overlooks the building.

“It is just mindless vandalism because we don’t keep any money or valuables in the building, so it baffles me as to why they are doing it.”

Derwent Hall, which was built in 1960 in George Street, is run by a committee of trustees and provides a day care service for the elderly.

The day centre offers a variety of social activities such as theatre trips, gardening, arts and crafts, music and flower arranging plus a lunch club everyday were people can go and have a homemade meal.

Cllr Eileen Entwistle, Sudell borough council representative, said the charity provides a ‘tremendous’ service.

She said: “These attacks must be extremely frustrating for the staff, it seems to be happening a lot.

“It is a charity and the staff provide a tremendous service for old people and it really isn’t fair.

“It’s just sheer vandalism and I do not understand what thrill they get from doing it.”

PCSO Ros McInulty said: “We have been made aware of these attacks.

“We will be stepping up patrols in the area.

“We will visit them and see what we can do.”