THE £300 worth of vandalism to the Kings Langley Youth Club has meant some children in the village have been left with nowhere to play.

Although the youth club off Alexandra Road is still holding its twice weekly meets, the rest of the week the gates to the club remain padlocked to prevent a repeat of the vandalism which saw six security lights smashed and the building broken into.

Police say the incident happened sometime between 11.30am and 4pm on Sunday, September 23.

Officers were called to the scene at 5.40pm to find offenders had gained entry through a smashed window, and damaged a hoover and a toilet seat.

Although the damage inside the building was minimal, chairman of the club's management committee Mr John Morrish said the harm done was more than just material.

He said: "It was nothing really. They broke into the cleaner's cupboard and took out the Hoover, broke the flex and put brushes down the toilet.

"We have tried to leave the playground area open because the local children like to skateboard out there.

"It is sad we have to padlock the place because of the thoughtless behaviour of a few. It is a shame because there are not many places they can skateboard as it is."

However, Mr Morrish and parish councillor Mr Chris Garner, who has links with the youth club, say they have learnt from the incident.

Mr Morrish said: "We are going to have to spend money on security which could have been spent on the youth club. It's depressing, like having your home broken into."

The club is now looking at installing an alarm system, security cameras and fencing around the building.

Mr Garner said: "In a way, it could have done us a big favour because it has made everybody address the security issue.

"I really cannot see the point in putting all this effort and money into it. You end up with something that's really nice and someone comes and wrecks it all.

"I would be reluctant to put four new computers in their only to get them nicked. And even if they did not manage to get them, they could make a lot a damage trying.

"We need to get a system which says to prospective burglars, do not even bother trying because you will not be able to get in, and if you do, you will get caught."

The two nights the youth club is open are 7pm to 10pm on Tuesdays for over 11s, and Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm for seven to 11-year-olds.

October 12, 2001 19:43

Alex Hill