Vandal attack guts caravan
Reporter: Lewis Jones
Date published: 08 July 2011
YOBS have gone on a wrecking spree at a camp site in Shaw, destroying a caravan and causing gas canisters to explode.
Vandals left a trail of destruction during an early-morning party at the Dog Hill Scout and Community Campsite in Buckstones Road, Shaw last Sunday.
A convex mirror from outside someone’s house was discovered at the site as well as broken bottles, strewn all over the family area and children’s playground.
Revellers even torched a caravan, bought by a volunteer for storage with the idea of renovating it so wardens could stay at the site at weekends.
Voluntary warden Mike Williamson (50) has tried to build up a healthy relationship with local teens but says a minority are running roughshod over the community spot.
He said: “It was absolutely sickening to see what had happened. We’ve had ongoing problems with smashed bottles and vandalism but nothing like this — it makes you wonder what the point is.
“The idea is to bring kids into the countryside to chill out in a safe environment but older teens are ruining it.”
They also threw gas canisters on a fire causing them to explode and send dangerous shrapnel flying.
It was a blow for the team of volunteers who have spent the past ten years improving the site, owned by Crompton and Royton Scouting Association.
Mike says it was only luck that fire didn’t spread to other caravans and torch 400 trees that cubs, scouts and guides have planted.
A climbing net for youngsters was also rendered useless as the vandals spitefully slashed through it.
Mike added: “I’d planned to cut the lawn on the day but that was the least of my worries.
“All you can do is clean up and pray for the best in the future. This behaviour needs to stop.”
Police are now investigating the incident.
