Community room for vulnerable people 'trashed by mindless vandals'

The Sky Lounge in Cripplegate House, St John’s, used most days for coffee mornings and other community meetings, was raided last Wednesday (August 29) – described as “heart-breaking” by an event organiser.

Patricia Richardson, who puts on events there on behalf of Worcestershire Reconnections, part of Age UK, said: “Cupboards were rifled with contents strewn and furniture thrown, food half eaten and scattered.

“A fire extinguisher was torn from the wall and discharged on the outdoor area.”

She claimed the automatic door was also “smashed” – adding “this sort of vandalism is indefensible”.

“This room is used for all sorts of activities on a regular basis and we are very lucky to have it. Thoughtlessness by a mindless few is heart-breaking.”

Jane Longmore, of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Age UK, said the break-in meant a social meeting on Thursday had to be re-arranged at the last minute.

“It’s upsetting from the point of view that these are vulnerable older people [that use the lounge] and it was distressing for them,” she said.

“Them feeling safe in a place they go often is important. [However,] we did not have to cancel any of our meetings.”

Fortis Living, which owns the building on St Clement’s Close, was able to re-arrange the Thursday meeting to nearby Chantry House, another of its properties in the city.

However, a spokeswoman for the housing supplier downplayed the damage done during the incident, saying nothing was stolen, and that the door was forced rather than smashed.

“They let off powder from a fire extinguisher and trampled biscuits into the carpet, and left a cider can behind,” she said.

She went on to say that the lounge was “out of action for a day whilst we tidied up the mess” but said the door panel wasn’t smashed but had been forced.

“The damage was limited to the letting off of a powder fire extinguisher and rubbish on the floor.”

The spokeswoman said the incident was reported to the police.