Outrage as histoirc shelter hit yet again

Police Volunteer Community worker Andrew Noble slams mindless hooligans after hundreds of pounds worth of damage was done to Grade II listed Promenade Shelters at Lytham St Annes.
Pictured is Lancashire Constabulary Volunteer Andrew Noble with the damaged shelters along the Promenade.
25th July 2014 — Police Volunteer Community worker Andrew Noble slams mindless hooligans after hundreds of pounds worth of damage was done to Grade II listed Promenade Shelters at Lytham St Annes. Pictured is Lancashire Constabulary Volunteer Andrew Noble with the damaged shelters along the Promenade. 25th July 2014

Andrew Noble discovered window panes had been smashed on one of the three seaside shelters in St Annes, damage which he has described as “heartbreaking”.

He is now appealing to Gazette readers to help catch those responsible for the damage – the sixth attack in the last two years on the Promenade sites.

Mr Noble, who is an unpaid uniformed volunteer with the force, said: “There was glass everywhere – whoever had done it had used small boulders to break the windows.

Damaged Victorian shelter in St Annes Promenade

“The shelters are Grade II-listed – they are part of our history.

“When they are damaged like this they have to be resorted back to their original glory – it costs about £500 a time.

“It is just so sad – within weeks they are smashed again. It is heartbreaking.”

The broken panes were discovered on Wednesday  morning. It follows attacks in March 2012, February and May 2013 and July and August this year.

Andrew added: “I have put posters up all down the Promenade appealing for information.

“I know how hard Lancashire Police work to keep this area safe. It just saddens me so much.

“It is our history and heritage. I am worried families will visit us and see the damage and wonder if our town is a safe place to visit.

“The cost to repair the shelters comes out of the taxpayer’s money. It really is such a shame.”

A Fylde Council spokesman said: “We are reaching the end of our tether with these yobs who need catching.

“We have made the place safe and swept up the glass but we are not going to replace the windows only for them to be smashed again.

“We will replace them in the spring. It has cost taxpayers thousands of pounds in recent years to repair the windows.

“We would appeal for anyone who has any information to call Lancashire Police on 101.”