DEFIANT bosses at a Preston pensioners' social centre have vowed not to let heartless vandals close their meeting place down.

The stand comes after a spate of break-ins at The Haven in Walton-le-Dale - four in the past six months - leaving many of its elderly members distraught.

In the latest incident at Christmas thieves caused hundreds of pounds-worth of damage, smashing their way into the building to steal a valued music system.

The £150 tape recorder was the only thing of worth in the Higher Walton Road building and was used for weekly line-dancing and bingo sessions.

Patrick Deeth, Healthy Lifestyles Manager for Age Concern Preston and South Ribble which runs The Haven, lashed out at the culprits and said: "It really upsets the members. They despair - it makes them feel it's not safe to leave their houses.

"But the criminals won't stop what we're doing. We'll shout out the numbers at bingo, and line dancing instructors will bring their own tape recorders to lessons."

Angry Mr Deeth said it was a shame that money in the pot had to be used on repairs instead of on members and added: "Money is being wasted but we're determined not to close."

He also appealed to local businesses for help in making sure The Haven becomes more secure and called on residents to keep an eye on the building.

If you can help call Age Concern on 01772 253079.

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