Volunteers rally after community kiosk vandalism

A York community hub targeted by vandals is set to reopen after volunteers rallied to repair the damage.

The kiosk in Glen Gardens, Heworth, had its doors damaged, windows broken and cupboards raided overnight on Saturday, with North Yorkshire Police informed.

Despite the vandals "trashing the inside of it", dozens of people offered their help to clean up the mess. The kiosk is now ready to reopen on Saturday.

"Park visitors, dog walkers, people from the local shops, all came down to offer their support - they all just wanted to help," said Julie Couttie, chair of Friends of Glen Gardens (FOGG).

"Although we'll be serving from a different side, we'll be up and running."

Ms Couttie, 67, from Heworth, said they found the kiosk on Sunday morning covered in smashed glass, kitchen cleaner squirted over the floor and "a few broken teapots".

However, the FOGG volunteer group was quickly inundated with offers to get involved in the clean-up.

"It really was joyful to know that we've got it up and running and people are looking forward to seeing us open again," she said.

Jim, 86, from Heworth, regularly visits the park to walk his dog and offered his help after hearing about the damage.

He described the community effort as "fantastic", adding: "There's a lot going on in this little park, it's a nice place to be."

"We've given it the best clean its ever had," Ms Couttie concluded.

North Yorkshire Police said it was investigating the incident and appealed for anyone with information or any relevant footage to come forward.

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