Carroll and McNeice Slam Morehall Nursery Vandalism

10.46.44am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 9th Aug 2007

Morehall Nursery and playgroup, behind Morehall Primary School in Chart Road, has been devastated by vandals who have smashed windows, stolen and damaged computers, flooded toilets, thrown paint and ruined toys and equipment. The vandalism was discovered on 6th August, and is believed to have been caused during the previous weekend.

Lib Dem Councillor for Morehall Tom McNeice and Cheriton Councillor Peter Carroll were on the scene on Monday to see the damage and offer help.

Tom McNeice said:

"This was a disgusting attack, targetting a really valuable local facility. The playgroup and local community are determined to get back up and running, and not be beaten by this. Local businesses and residents are going out of their way to help get the playgroup back together again, volunteering goods, time and assistance: it's really good to see."

Peter Carroll, speaking to the Kent Messenger, added:

"I suspect that this is people who live locally, and there has been a build-up of a culture amongst a very small number of our young people.

"When you see young people wolf-whistling a female PCSO and saying they wanted to be 'gangsters' as they did at a recent local residents meeting, then it has gone too far.

"The Police are doing their best and have to keep chasing them and making their lives difficult by prosecuting them, but then, what are 12 to 14 year olds doing out at 2am?""

Anyone with any information about the vandalism to the should call Folkestone Police Station on 01303 850011 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.