Arson attack and break-in within days
AN ARSON attack, a series of break-ins and serious vandalism during a three day period have left a vital children's community service on the verge of closure.
The Bungalow in Kilcronan Court, which is run by the Deansrath Family Centre, has been targeted by a group of teenagers who have smashed in the roof and ceiling, damaged the water system, defecated in the centre's sink, destroyed the children's playroom with paint and emptied a fire extinguisher into the fridge.
The list of serious incidents dates back to August when the service, which caters for vulnerable parents and children under three-years-old, was forced to close its doors for three weeks after the Bungalow was badly damaged by the young thugs.
On Sunday there was another break-in forcing the service to shut down on Monday while a roofer repaired the damage before staff returned to work on Tuesday morning – to find the slates on the roof broken and the ceiling kicked in once again.
Deansrath Family Centre manager Sile Hassett told The Echo that the situation has been hugely “demoralising” for staff who have been forced to move to a different location.
She said: “The change of venue upsets the children greatly. There is an arts and craft area set up in the Bungalow and that cannot be moved with them. There are also other services running out of the new building – and we will be there for the next three weeks.”
The situation worsened on Wednesday afternoon when staff saw a group setting fire to the property the hall.
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