OFFICIALS of a youth group have been left "demoralised" after a spate of vandal attacks on their headquarters.

The latest attack on the Mill Street barracks of St Helens Sea Cadets - the sixth in the space of a year - occurred between 5.30pm on Sunday, June 8 and 7pm the next day.

After breaking-in through the back entrance the culprits ransacked the building and daubed the letters 'NF' all over the walls.

Now the cost of repairing the damage to the hall is running into thousands of pounds and commanding officer, Lieutenant John Windle, told the Star: "The attacks are extremely demoralizing, not just for the volunteers but for the cadets themselves.

"This is the sixth time in a year that we have been broken into and already, it has cost us thousands of pounds to repair the damage. Yet as soon as we get the building sorted, the vandals break in and mess it up again."

He added: "Whenever anything like this happens, we have to stop all our training and other activities and concentrate solely on raising the money needed to repair the barracks. But the problem is that, because it is so old, the building is always going to be an easy target for thieves and try as we might, we just cannot raise the money together for a complete refurbishment."

Now the group are hoping that generous benefactors will help them with the cost of repairing the latest damage and anyone who can help, is asked to contact John at the barracks on (01744) 20193.

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