Vandals target minibus used to help community

The smashed passenger window on the minibus used by the Phoenix Detached Youth Project, in North Shields

A CHARITY that helps to support young people has hit out at “mindless vandals” who damaged their minibus.

The Phoenix Detached Youth Project, in North Shields, had to cancel two trips after staff found the vehicle with smashed windows on Thursday morning.

Their bus was also damaged twice in two days in June.

Now the group has hit out at the offenders who carried out the vandalism.

Mike Burgess, project manager, said: “We have been working tirelessly for the community for nearly 16 years.

“It’s appalling that we should be targeted in this way when we are trying to help the community.

“It’s mindless vandalism. Whoever did this should hang their heads in shame.”

In June, the vehicle was found with a broken windscreen. But, by the time repairs were due to take place the next morning, a back window had also been smashed.

“On Thursday morning, we found the rear window and a side window

broken,” said Mr Burgess. “We were planning to take a group of elderly people shopping as well as taking young people out, but we had to cancel both trips.

“This type of damage has an impact on the work we are doing and we have to pay towards the repairs.

“We have to raise over £160,000 a year to provide a service to the community, and we should not be having to pay towards costs of repairs like these.”

The charity works with young people aged 12 to 25 from areas including Meadow Well, Percy Main, East Howdon, Royal Quays and Chirton.

Their minibus is used for a range of things including taking youngsters out for activities and trips as well as transporting equipment.

Police are investigating the offence and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “We are appealing for information after a motor vehicle was damaged while parked in Front Street, Chirton, North Tyneside.

“Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 101 or emailing 899@northumbria.pnn.police.uk, quoting log 352 241019.”