Cliffsend Residents Express Dismay Following Christmas Decoration Vandalism

Residents in Kent have expressed profound disappointment following damage to Christmas decorations at multiple properties during the weekend. Kent Police confirmed the arrest of two individuals subsequent to numerous reports of damage to Christmas displays in Cliffsend, a locality situated near Ramsgate. Sam Pooley, who chairs the Cliffsend Village Hall, informed the BBC that Christmas lights, representing an investment of thousands of pounds, were “smashed up” at the community facility on Saturday evening. “We’re gutted,” he said. “We’re absolutely lost for words.” “It is not about the lights or the money,” Mr Pooley continued. “It is about the time and effort we have put in to make it [the village hall] nice for everyone.” According to Kent Police, the incidents occurred within the Cliffsend area between Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December. The police force further stated that a teenage boy and girl were apprehended on suspicion of criminal damage and brought into custody just prior to midnight on Saturday. Mr Pooley reported that he was engaged in cleaning up the “carnage” at the village hall until 3:00 GMT on Sunday, a venue that he mentioned volunteers had funded for refurbishment. He detailed that roof tiles were damaged, a window had been subjected to kicking, a flag pole had been broken in two, and sandbags had been dislodged from the roof. “We’re a little village. We’re volunteers who are trying to do the best for the community,” the 46-year-old stated. Mr Pooley mentioned that he and his wife, Natasha, who serves as a trustee at the village hall, have received “hundreds” of messages from individuals throughout Thanet, offering assistance or contributions of Christmas decorations. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.