‘Senseless’ attack on key facility
Vandalism to a key Perth facility has been labelled “senseless” at a time when communities are working together to fight the coronavirus.
Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) workers were left shocked to find extensive damage to the door and windows of their Carers Centre on Monday morning.
The Lewis Place premises is the base for the charity’s work supporting unpaid carers and is currently keeping in contact with hundreds of the region’s most vulnerable families.
PKAVS revealed CCTV shows a group of three boys throwing stones at the building from close range on Friday, May 8 and Police Scotland is now investigating the incident.
Raymond Jamieson, PKAVS carers manager, noted that the damage will cost hundreds of pounds to repair.
He told the PA: “It is so disappointing to see the vandalism carried out on our centre, particularly at such a difficult time when we in PKAVS are doing all we can to support as many people as we can.
“We are now going to have to spend hundreds of pounds to repair our centre at a time when we need all the resources we can get to help unpaid carers of all ages get through the coronavirus crisis.”
The centre is providing a wide range of vital support including PPE for unpaid carers, tuition and general support for young carers, crucial respite services and also advice on how to access health, social care and financial support.
Perth city centre councillor Peter Barrett branded the incident “senseless” and said it “has clearly felt like a kick in the teeth to PKAVS”.
He added: “I hope that some good can come out of this. We have seen some fantastic examples of individual generosity and community solidarity in the face of challenges throughout the coronavirus pandemic and across the whole of Perth.
“There will be many young carers desperate to return to Lewis Place for the respite and support it offers. I don’t want their happiness on that day diminished by the sight of broken glass in the doors and windows.
“If PKAVS wants to set up an appeal for the cost of replacing the damage, let me be the first to pledge a tenner.”
Fellow Perth city centre councillor Andrew Parrott said the vandalism was “thoroughly disreputable” and he hopes those responsible are tracked down.
“It perhaps arises out of frustration with the current situation,” he went on. “People are getting bored and other areas of activity are not open to them.
“But none of that excuses taking out frustration on facilities and buildings. It’s thoroughly disreputable.
“A lot of people in society are pulling together to work for the community and are making sure everybody is provided for in a complex and difficult situation.
“It doesn’t help when others seek to undo that community effort and, instead of acting positively, act negatively to the detriment of the community.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said enquiries into the vandalism were ongoing. Anyone with information should contact 101, quoting 0519 on Monday, May 11.