Social enterprise left 'shaken' after vandals target community asset once again

Enbarr Foundation CIC is calling on the community to 'help in this hour of need' and back their vision for the John Summers Clock Tower Building.

Vandalism at the John Summer's Clock Tower

The Leader previously reported that in 2018, Vicki Roskams launched a campaign in a bid to reopen the landmark site in Deeside to benefit the whole community and beyond.

However, despite spending two months preparing to fight for the land at an auction, they returned to find the clocktower had been 'destroyed' by vandals.

This was not the first time - leaving members of the social enterprise 'deeply disheartened'.

Vicki Roskams said: "For two years you have been working alongside ourselves to watch over John Summers and protect him.

"For over two years we have worked and fought tirelessly alongside the community to try and resurrect this outstanding piece of beauty for all to enjoy and build and develop plans together to build a place for all for the future generations.

"To say it felt unnerving to enter and walk around this once iconic building was an understatement, and I could physically feel my heart bleeding, and the hope starts to disappear.

"From the first opening of the door we could see smashed panelling, and windows that have stood for over 100 years scattered all over the floor, burnt down ceilings and walls – it was heart-wrenching."

Vicki said they knew the building needed some 'TLC' but the recent vandalism was as though the building was 'hurting like his insides had been ripped out and parts of his internal walls smashed and set alight'.

The building went to auction earlier this month and despite not winning, Enbarr Foundation CIC hopes to work with the auction winner.

However, the acts of vandalism is slowing their work down.

She added: "His once amazing directors rooftop house had been broken apart and cascaded over the wall to the ground below. Parts of the roof have been punched and kicked through to add a few more skylines, and people have even signed their names next to it as if they are proud.

"This is not fun, or graffiti, this is rage and vandalism at its highest levels, and I am calling those in the community to be more vigilant, you know which kids and young people are doing this, we are trying to create something amazing and they are just tearing it down.

"We are worried, these buildings are a dangerous place, which is why they are fenced and locked, and some parts they have set alight has dangerous chemicals and asbestos in them, so they are breathing in poison. That is why the building is locked up.

"We still are pushing ahead with our plans, and we have a great person who has bought the site that believes and supports us and our Future Vision alongside the great community who deserves it, but if that select few keep vandalising it, they might walk away, as all actions have repercussions, and may have a lasting impact on your life.

"Remember, you are the only person responsible for your actions, you are free to choose whatever action you want to take but are not free from the consequences, and in this case, it can mean death, as this place is dangerous."

North Wales Police has been approached for comment.

Image of John Summer's steelworks office