Paignton charity hit with £2k vandalism bill before it opens
A COMMUNITY charity has been hit with a £2,000 bill for damage before it even gets started.
Centrepeace had all its windows smashed by a group of youths just weeks away from its big opening in Palace Avenue, Paignton.
-
damaged: Lisa Emberson, Zack Chaffe, and Teresa Emberson manager, with the broken windows at Centrepeace Andy Styles TQAS20130312B-001_C
Teresa Emberson, the charity manager and trustee, said it was really sad to have the charity vandalised when its aim was to help the community.
She said: "We are in the process of turning the former Paignton town office into a community centre and cafe.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
"We're a not-for-profit charity and our finances are not limitless. This is a bit of a blow before we've even started."
Mrs Emberson said Centrepeace will provide help and counselling to anyone seeking help regardless of age and will also provide the most disadvantage people in the Bay with everything they may need from toiletries to food or just friendship.
She added: "We want to be there to respond to people's needs rather than tell them what they need.
"We will not turn away anyone because they don't fit into a certain age bracket."
The window damage happened in the early hours of Saturday, March 9.
It is understood a group of girls was seen in the area at the time.
Mrs Emberson said it will cost Centrepeace about £1,600 to fix the windows and another £500 to have them boarded up.
She said: "I hope people will realise that we are here for them and look out for us so this type of incident does not happen again."
Police have been informed of the incident.
Centrepeace has about eight volunteers. Work is still ongoing inside the former council office. The new venue is due to open next month.
Anyone wishing to help can call 01803 550720.
Comments
by sOnIcBoOm
Saturday, March 23 2013, 3:59PM
“@bethneyhoe - which drug caused this?”
by jonjames
Saturday, March 23 2013, 12:18PM
“Wonder how many low intelligent locals will appear with there self printed off business cards to offer " A quality" Repair.
I hope its quick tho as i don't want to read in the toilet paper that ANOTHER mysterious fire engulfs a empty building to help the failed planning permission.”
by bethneyhoe
Saturday, March 23 2013, 10:31AM
“Good to see the liberal middle class bumbling into things they don't understand, as usual. Why don't they leave the boards up and get some yoofs in to spray streetwise graffiti art onto them, I'm sure that would satisfy their middle class souls, which of course is all they are really interested in anyway.”
by jonjames
Saturday, March 23 2013, 9:38AM
“Wonder what Carolyn Custerson, chief executive of the English Riviera Tourism will say about it.. My guess is NOTHING unless it fights her own cause...”
by bethneyhoe
Saturday, March 23 2013, 8:56AM
“This is a well meaning but misguided charity that intends to give food parcels to drug addicts, of course meaning the addict can spend more on drugs.”
by nicold
Saturday, March 23 2013, 8:36AM
“Why mention Torbay?...this can happen in any town or city!”
by jonjames
Saturday, March 23 2013, 8:06AM
“Welcome to Torbay. The English Riviera”
by jonjames
Saturday, March 23 2013, 8:05AM
“Welcome to Torbay. The English Riviera”