Yobs trash learning difficulties centre

Fir Close Community Centre in Wath was broken into and equipment including karaoke machines, microphones and CDS as well as snacks were taken.

The caretaker of the Rotherham Council-owned building arrived at 9.30am on Monday to find that it had been trashed.

Janet Dawson, one of the founders of JDs social club, said that she was devastated by the news.

“We are just sick to the stomach,” she said.

“I just can’t understand why people would steal from those less fortunate.

“The people who attend our club ask for nothing despite their disability and then someone comes along and does this.

“They smashed doors in, broke into steel cabinets and just took everything apart from a few craft items.

“We estimate that they have taken around £3,000 worth of items but we need to check the amount.”

The self-funded club should have celebrated its eighth birthday on Wednesday but instead volunteers had to tell all 110 members that their centre had been raided.

It comes just two months after their BBQ was stolen from the centre.

“We had no way of contacting them to warn them so we decided to open as usual,” said Janet.

“We had just started to get ourselves sorted as well but we are not going to give in to them.

“We will have to find a way to replace the equipment, some of which was brand new.”

The club was launched by volunteers Janet Dawson and Doreen Dixon eight years ago following the closure of a similar club.

It provides activities and a snack bar for 18 to 70-year-olds with slight to severe disabilities every Tuesday night.

“The adults come along once a week and take part in activities like dominoes, snooker, karaoke and crafts,” said Janet.

“Many of them have been affected by council cuts and the club stops them from being isolated and gives them an opportunity to meet people.

“It’s 70 pence to attend and then it’s up to them what they do. It’s a really good atmosphere and everyone really enjoys themselves.

“It’s just lovely and that’s why it’s upset us all so much.”

Pc Neil Palmer, who is investigating the incident, said: ““We are appealing for anyone with information to come forward to help us catch those who carried out this disgusting act.”

Contact South Yorkshire Police on 01142 20 20 20 quoting incident number 272 of September 5 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Club organisers Janet Dawson (left) and Doreen Dixon clear-up the mess.                114070-1