Mill Skatepark container in Sittingbourne broken into and damaged by vandals

Mill Skatepark container in Sittingbourne broken into and damaged by vandals

ITN News Hour

A skate park building used by a cash-strapped youth group has been wrecked by vandals.

The modified shipping container at the Mill Skatepark in Sittingbourne was broken into over the weekend.

Rubbish piled up in the Mill Stakepark, Sittingbourne. Picture: VibeRubbish piled up in the Mill Stakepark, Sittingbourne. Picture: Vibe
Rubbish piled up in the Mill Stakepark, Sittingbourne. Picture: Vibe
One of the windows was smashed in a vandal attack on a container in Mill Skatepark, Sittingbourne. Picture: VibeOne of the windows was smashed in a vandal attack on a container in Mill Skatepark, Sittingbourne. Picture: Vibe
One of the windows was smashed in a vandal attack on a container in Mill Skatepark, Sittingbourne. Picture: Vibe
The container, left, at Mill Skatepark in Sittingbourne has been wrecked by vandals. Picture: Google EarthThe container, left, at Mill Skatepark in Sittingbourne has been wrecked by vandals. Picture: Google Earth
The container, left, at Mill Skatepark in Sittingbourne has been wrecked by vandals. Picture: Google Earth

Windows and light switches were smashed and equipment was damaged during the wrecking spree.

The building is used by youth group Vibe, part of the Brogdale CIC Group, which runs events and provides services for young people.

The project, behind Halfords at Sittingbourne Retail Park, off Mill Way, took 10 years and £500,000 to get off the ground.

Brogdale CIC boss Rebecca O’Neill told KentOnline that, after so much hard work, she was disappointed to see the vandalism.

She said: “It’s sad that someone has done this to the container.

“Other kids had worked so hard for so long to raise the money so that they would have somewhere they could go and now it has been wrecked.

“We have limited funding due to cuts as it is so we are not sure how we will pay to fix it all.

“We do have insurance so hopefully that will cover the cost.”

A police spokesman said they were called at 10.30am today (Monday, April 15) about damage to windows and internal fittings in the container.

They added: “Inquiries are under way and officers are urging anyone with information to contact police on 01795 419119, quoting reference 15-0329.

Furniture was damaged inside the container in Mill Skatepark, Sittingbourne. Picture: VibeFurniture was damaged inside the container in Mill Skatepark, Sittingbourne. Picture: Vibe
Furniture was damaged inside the container in Mill Skatepark, Sittingbourne. Picture: Vibe
A radiator in the container was damaged by vandals. Picture: VibeA radiator in the container was damaged by vandals. Picture: Vibe
A radiator in the container was damaged by vandals. Picture: Vibe

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or use the online form on its website.”

The skate park project was a victim to delays with plans being approved back in 2014.

However, work did not start until March 2019.

It was due to be up and running in October that year but eventually opened in 2020.

The park is designed to be a safe place where young people can also get advice from youth workers, as well as learn how to skate and ride bikes.

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