Community demand action against vandal attacks

May 23 2012 by Lawrence Poole, Buckinghamshire Examiner

A COMMUNITY has called for more to be done following a spate of vandalism attacks which has seen a British Legion targeted twice in two weeks.

On April 30 firefighters rescued the Royal British Legion in Woodside Road, Amersham in the nick of time after the back of building was set on fire by arsonists.

Then ovn May 11 the club was targeted again when the front doors were smashed - it follows a similar incident at Amersham Community Centre over Easter and acts of vandalism to other premises nearby.

Legion club treasurer Jenny Prince said: "I can't believe we've been targeted again, the fire is going to cost us a fortune and now this.

"We had our front doors attacked and we had to call the police out and get them boarded up before they were fixed.

"It's happening all over, it's not a coincidence - Amersham Free Church, the swimming pool, the community centre - they've all been targeted loads in recent months.

"Something needs to be done to stop this mindless vandalism."

Amersham Free Church's church secretary Norma Jenns said: "Some of the lettering from our sign was knocked off which is going to cost us £500 - it's very frustrating.

"The police do a great job - but I think people need to be more vigilant, I've lived here 40 years and people think it's a middle-class place, but if you scratch the surface crime happens."

Angela Bates, who runs Amersham Community Centre, said: "It's a problem we have unfortunately and we have to keep a close eye on the building - the last time it happened was on Easter Monday when a window was smashed."

Richard Mead, Chiltern Pools' duty manager, said: "We haven't had any problems with windows but the car park machines were vandalised."

Police spokesman Leo Tarring said: "We are aware of the incidents at the British Legion on May 11 and the church on April 17 and we're investigating.

"There's nothing to suggest they're linked but if anyone has concerns or would like to report anti-social behaviour please call 101 or contact your neighbourhood team."

* Are you blighted by anti-social behaviour? Contact Lawrence Poole on 07795 812070 or email lawrencepoole@trinitysouth.co.uk