Scout den in Tullamore targeted by 'thugs' and vandals
TULLAMORE Scout Den has been hit by vandals who broke security lights and damaged flower beds.
The facility close to the bank of the Grand Canal near Pearse Park, Tullamore is set to become especially busy in the coming months.
But scout leader Marie Martin was appalled to discover the harm done by vandals and trespassers in recent weeks.
“They were just ripped apart as well,” said Ms Martin.
Shattered glass remained on the ground afterwards.
She said Tullamore Scouts had received lottery funding to enhance the grounds of the den but they are now questioning what work should be done.
“There doesn't seem to be any point because there seems to be no rules for anybody coming in on private property,” added Ms Martin.
“I wonder what's the point if the thugs are just going to destroy the place again.
Tullamore Scouts also have photographic evidence of “four adult males” who were playing football inside the wall and gate which separates the scout den enclosure from the rest of the council owned site.
The area is located beside Tullamore fire station and is also home to the Tullamore Boxing Club building.
Looking forward, Ms Martin is appealing to those responsible to stop and think of the impact their actions are having on the children who use the facility.
“We are calling for it to stop especially now as it's coming into the summer and everybody will be down there using the lock.
“We're actually after improving with our numbers and our membership so [this vandalism] is not great. When [the children] start doing little bits of work this happens and it's a setback.”
Previously, Tullamore Scouts installed outdoor tables using repurposed large ESB cable rings but that attracted “a mixture of teenagers and revellers”.
“It was a handy spot to bring in the beer,” said Ms Martin. Empty beer cans were then thrown around resulting in the scout den becoming a “dumping ground”.
Tullamore gardai have been informed and Offaly County Council has also been notified about the very poor condition of the road leading to the scout den which is heavily potholed.