A newly refurbished community centre which was ransacked by burglars is set to reopen tomorrow, Monday after more than £2,500 was raised from a fundraising appeal.
The recently refurbished Padgate Youth and Community Centre, was broken into on Wednesday evening and the first delivery of beer in a year and a half was stolen, along with other alcohol, soft drinks and snacks.
There was also considerable damage caused to the premises.
Centre manager Jane Henshaw said: “On Wednesday evening we got broken into after having our first beer delivery in a year and a half!
“A wonderful couple set up a Justgiving page and so far we have raised over £2500 which is truly amazing.
“We are able to open some of the centre from tomorrow but feel that until we can properly secure the building with shutters, we are unable to provide a bar.
“We hold many events, celebrations and we have over 40 weekly groups for all ages.”
After posting news of the break-in on social media a fundraising page was launched by local resident Martin Colwell who posted:” I was informed by the Manager that the centre was broken into, vandalised and the new, fully refurbished bar was damaged.
“All of the newly purchased alcohol, soft drinks and snacks were stolen.
“Jane has worked so hard for the community making the centre a place for local people to attend events, classes and hobbies.
“This is a selfish act of individuals that do not reflect the spirit of the community.
“Let’s come together and support Jane and our community centre.”
Now within just a few days of launching the fund-raising page more than £2,500 has been raised with funds still coming in.
Donations can be made online via the link below.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/martin-colwell-3
