Magelake Hall targetted by vandals (From Mid Devon Star)

Magelake Hall targetted by vandals

7:00am Sunday 19th August 2012 in Devon

THE community is pulling together in Uffculme after vandals targeted Magelake Hall.

Signs and goal posts were damaged, a window broken and litter left in the site’s multi-purpose play area. Parish councillors, police and community safety partnership members met to discuss the problem and have agreed to work together to ensure the site is not damaged further.

Sgt Andy Stuthridge, of the Cullompton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Police and other agencies have worked very hard over the last couple of years to considerably red-uce the anti-social behaviour in the village, caused by a minority group.

“In recent months there have been very few problems reported until these latest events. “I will be ensuring that officers are regularly checking this area as part of their patrol route and anyone caught in this location causing problems will be dealt with robustly.”

Cllr Diane Brandon, who has been involved with the refurbishment of the hall, added: “This is a fantastic new facility for the village and neighbouring parishes.

“It’s a shame the mindless actions of a small minority are spoiling this wonderful resource for the community. “We’ll be taking extra security precautions and working closely with the police to stop those responsible.”

Police are now asking anyone who sees the area being vandalised to contact them immediately.

Sgt Stuthridge added: “I’d encourage any resident who witnesses any anti-social activity at this venue to call the police by dialling 999 as it’s occurring so we might attend and catch those responsible.

“If anyone has information about who’s responsible for the damage so far they can call us on the police non-emergency number 101 or Crimestop-pers on 0800-555111, where they can remain anonymous if they wish.”