VOLUNTEERS have been left devastated after two areas of Barry were targeted last weekend – one of them twice – causing damage to property and trees.

Cadoxton Community Centre, to the rear of Edmund Place, off Cardiff Road was subjected to two break-ins and theft, on Saturday, and the early hours of Sunday.

And a hacksaw was taken to trees in Porthkerry Park, also in Barry, over the weekend.

Jonathan Coombs, principal of Billboard Ensemble, which uses Cadoxton Community Centre, said: “The hall was broken into twice on Saturday evening and then early hours of Sunday morning.

“The centre is used by Billboard Ensemble, Rainbows, keep fit classes, and Slimming World.

“All have had things stolen, but from Billboard radio head mics worth £600, which were a gift to us through a grant from Barry Town Council.

“Also they took all the Billboard Juniors’ tuck shop sweets and drinks, the PA system from the hall and a stereo from the hall which all community hall users used.

“It’s such a shame as the hall has recently been decorated by the new committee and volunteers from the groups that use this hall on a regular basis.”

He added: “Although the break-in is a shock Billboard would like to thank the overwhelming response from the community with donations to replace equipment and the tuck shop.

“Anyone who knows anything about the break-in should contact the police.”

Volunteers and residents have also been devastated to discover trees deliberately damaged at Barry beauty spot Porthkerry Park.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: “The council is disappointed that trees planted to reinstate the old hedgerow have been vandalised.

“The trees, which were planted by hard-working volunteers, have been cut down at a location not far from the Rangers’ office.

“Some of the trees in this area are memorial trees paid for by members of the public in memory of their loved ones, and it was down to luck that these weren’t damaged by this thoughtless act.

“We will be assessing CCTV footage and monitoring the situation and anyone found to be causing such damage will be reported to the police.”

A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: “We are investigating break-ins which took place at Cadoxton Moors Community Centre, Edmund Place, Barry.

“The break-ins occurred some time between 10pm on November 17 and shortly before 12pm on November 18.” She said intruders entered the centre, left, and then returned.

Anyone with any information can call 101 quoting reference 1800438493 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Porthkerry Park incident has also been reported to officers. Quote reference for the second incident is 1800441110.