A COMMUNITY group has been left heartbroken after a Christmas lights display was destroyed.

Rhoose Community Spirit Group - which relies solely on their fundraising efforts - aims to spread cheer in Rhoose, and has put up a twinkling Christmas display outside Stewart Road every December for the past five years.

They were devastated when yesterday (December 13) the festive display was discovered vandalised - just nine days after they were switched on.

Group chairwoman Samantha Campbell said: "I was devastated when I saw it. Honestly, I got really upset. The last 18 months have been hard for everyone, and we just want to make people smile.

"Everything we do is for the community and the people within it and this has broken my heart.

"I have received so many messages of support and offers of help from local people - I believe it's only a small few who take pleasure in destroying things like this.

“Ironically, it’s their lights they're destroying. They belong to the community.”

Barry And District News:

Damage to the Chrismas display included:

  • Wires ripped apart
  • Large reindeer display
  • Some of the snowmen decorations
  • Candy cane lights
  • Tree ornaments 

Barry And District News:

The community came together to salvage what they could - with decorations to remain on display throughout December.

Money has been raised to repair and replace decorations for the 2022 display, with a fundraising page at https://bit.ly/30vxhMY, and people have donated decorations which will be safety tested and used in next year’s display.

Barry And District News:

"We are only a small group, and we all have families and full-time jobs so finding time to do this kind of stuff requires a lot of planning," added Ms Campbell.

“Luckily, volunteers come out to help with putting the lights up and helping us run events; we are so grateful for their help.

"People have been absolutely amazing - they came out to help yesterday at the drop of a hat and have raised much needed repair funds in less than 24 hours. I'm so proud of my local community for restoring my faith.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped and given their support. It means so much that our community loves the lights as much as we do.”

Barry And District News:

The incident has been reported to South Wales Police. Anyone with information which could aid the investigation can contact the force using the reference 2100433814.