Feb 26 2009 by David Williams, Merthyr Express
THERE are fears over the future of a community centre used by hundreds of people each week.
Vandals smashed eight glass door panels at Cefn Coed Community Centre, at around 9.30pm on Saturday, February 14, causing £2,000 of damage.
And it is the second time in four months the building has been attacked after two windows were shattered in October.
A neighbour raised the alarm last weekend when they saw three people running away from the centre after hearing a loud noise outside.
Chair of the centre’s trustees, Doug Tavener, worries people could be turned away from using the facility which currently caters for nursery groups and tae kwon do clubs among others.
“I’m not pointing fingers in any direction,” he said.
“We only know it was three people. They broke armoured glass so they’ve got to be pretty strong.
“This vandalism threatens the closure of the centre which is run by volunteers.
“It places everything at risk because people lose confidence if they see things like this happening. Staff won’t be happy if they feel they are not protected.”
The centre is used seven days a week and has more than 800 visits every seven days with more than 20 full and part-time staff. It is almost fully self sufficient but does have help from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
Most of the user groups are not-for-profit charities.
Mr Tavener is appealing for people to come forward with information.
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