Yobs trash scheme

Joe Shanahan, project manager for the Adur Special Needs Project summer scheme, said vandals had destroyed a trampoline worth 600 and a gazebo at the Penhill Arts Centre in Penhill Road.

Mr Shanahan told the Herald: "It's just so unexpected for us. We've had two years when nothing was touched, but, this year, they have gone out of their way to make a point by trashing things."

The scheme has run for four weeks, with 35 children attending every day. Mr Shanahan said some of the youngsters were autistic and others had cerebral palsy.

The trampoline was destroyed last week. He said the trampoline had been left outside in a fenced-off area, but when they came in every morning, they found it had been moved.

It was eventually damaged so much, with cigarette burns and the springs removed, that it could no longer be used.

Mr Shanahan said the staff came in on Monday to find a gazebo, which the children sat under to eat their lunch and avoid the sun, had also been destroyed.

A nursing hut was also vandalised three weeks ago, but, fortunately, B&Q donated a replacement shed.

Mr Shanahan added:"The staff work hard here to make it a success, but without the equipment, what can you do?"

Mr Shanahan said Adur Special Needs Project would appreciate any donations. For more information, contact the charity on 01273 441866.