A BELEAGUERED youth club is reaching out to the vandals who are costing it thousands of pounds.
A rise in vandalism at the Bradby Club’s headquarters in East Union Street has left it with damage it cannot afford to repair.
But the hundred-year-old club, which helps young people overcome challenging issues through various services and activities, is inviting those responsible to make amends and take responsibility for their actions.
Club manager John Robertson says yobs have damaged cars, guttering, windows and exterior lights at the club over the last 18 months, costing the club thousands of pounds while it is being run at a deficit.
He said: “We haven’t got the money to replace everything, so we’ve still got broken windows and lights.
“It’s young people who make bad choices when they’ve got nothing to do – and that’s kind of why we’re here.”
The club cannot afford to replace these broken windows. 42.018.001.rug.jm2He says if the culprits are known to the club, they are given opportunities to make it right.
“We try to tackle it in the club and get the young people working here,” he said. “For instance with graffiti – if we know who does it, they get the opportunity to come and paint over it, and they don’t get banned. Otherwise, you’re banned for a period of time.
“I think that really works with the young people. If we can get them to make amends, then they take responsibility for their actions – and maybe a little bit of ownership of the club as well.
“It’s their club. It’s here for everyone and has been for generations, and we want that to continue.
“And if you’re bored, come and tell us what you want to do, and we’ll do our best to do it.”
At their “wit’s end”, the club contacted security company ADT which donated a state-of-the-art Smart Business system to the club.
The system allows staff to remotely monitor cameras and alarms at all times.
“We were thrilled when ADT offered to provide and install the system for free,” said John. “Much of the time we don’t know who the vandals are – but now we’re going to know who it is.”
Lee Jasper from ADT said: “The work the Bradby Club has done for nearly 100 years is testament to how sorely it is needed. When we heard this work was being jeopardised, we wanted to help.”
The Bradby Club, which claims to be among the oldest of its kind in the country, is running a programme of events throughout 2018 and 2019 to celebrate its centenary, and to raise funds for staff wages and club improvements.
It runs youth club sessions, a substance misuse service, a safer relationships and sexual health service, support for young carers and young parents, a boxing academy and gym facilities.
Anyone with information about vandalism should call police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.
