A minister has been left “disappointed” after fences were stolen from a children’s play area connected with a church.
Reverend David Wheatley and his wife returned from holiday last Thursday to find wooden fencing and gates had been stolen from the children’s play area attached to King’s Community Church in Whiteway, Letchworth GC.
Three gates, as well as four panels and posts, had been forcibly removed from the paddock which is used mainly by children for playgroup events.
Hertfordshire police confirmed they are investigating a theft which occurred at some point between midday on Wednesday, January 22, and 1pm on Thursday, January 23.
Rev Wheatley said: “As a church we are disappointed that someone would damage the children’s safe area – we are not angry, we are disappointed. Mainly because this area is set aside for the children of the community to use.
“I don’t think it was vandalism as the fences are 3ft high and 6ft long. You certainly couldn’t run off with them. But we have had our drainpipes vandalised by kids in the past. I kept repairing them, but they kept damaging them.
“We also had to replace the front door as they seemed to enjoy smashing the glass on that too. Installing CCTV cameras might have to be the next move to prevent this happening in the future.”
After hearing about the theft, Radwell Fencing Company and Hertfordshire Timber and Building Supplies worked together to repair the fencing that was stolen free of charge.
Rev Wheatley said: “We felt really humbled when we found out someone was willing to repair the damage free of charge – we really didn’t expect it. It shows that people in the community do recognise what we are trying to do here and that they were shocked by the damage.”
Steve Grover, director of Hertfordshire Timber and Building Supplies said: “We have had family get married in the church, so when it was brought to my attention I was more than happy to donate materials.”
A spokesman for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “We are making enquiries within the local vicinity of the church, but no arrests have been made. Anyone with information should call us on 101.”
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