First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has condemned vandals who broke into Holts Community Centre and set fire to an outbuilding in a crime spree that has caused £10,000 of damage.
Offenders – believed to be local youths - targeted the building in Near Birches Parade by breaking down a door last Thursday and pulling down electrical cables while spraying printer ink around inside.
The next day they returned and broke in, and on Sunday the youths set fire to an outbuilding prompting a call to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. FCHO has been forced to secure the building several times.
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police have taken fingerprints from the scene and seized bottles potentially drunk by the offenders for forensic analysis.
The centre is closed for repairs until the new year. The reduced cost food service The Bread and Butter Thing is unaffected and has been moved to the Roc ‘n’ Rolls café next door, FCHO confirmed.
“This is a mindless attack on a much-needed community centre and we will do all we can to work with the police and the local community to find out who is responsible,” said executive director of customer experience, Jayne Lawson.
“The local community is very aware and angry this has happened to the centre and I would urge anyone who knows who did this to get in contact with Greater Manchester Police immediately.
“We are doing all we can to ensure the building is safe and secure and open again soon. The key message is The Bread and Butter Thing is unaffected as it has just moved next door.
“It is vital this service can continue at this time of year especially,” she added.
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