VOLUNTEERS in Deeside have been left 'disheartened' after youths caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a pond over the weekend.

Ty Calon opened as a multi-million pound facility in September 2021.

Based in Queensferry, it was built with funding received by Flintshire County Council, the Welsh Government and Wales Rugby Union to support local authorities to improve community learning and sports facilities.

Deeside Community Trust are responsible for the building, situated on the site of the former John Summers High School. 

The pond damaged over the weekend is a part of the site and was installed thanks to the trust's team of volunteers.

The team believe, having reviewed CCTV footage, that the incident in question took place sometime between 7.13pm and 7.45pm on Sunday (August 11).

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They add that they believe five youths are responsible for the vandalism that unfolded.

Large stones were thrown into the pond, statues were smashed and fish have gone missing and assumed to have been 'killed or stolen'.

Deeside Community Trust said: "At some point over the weekend our pond at Ty Calon was vandalised—large stones were thrown into the water, statues and filters were smashed, and several fish are missing, whether they have been killed or stolen.

"This reckless behaviour is unacceptable and disheartening, especially considering the effort we've put into making our green spaces a peaceful haven for the community.

"We are eager to speak to a lady who was on the grass pitches at the time walking two dogs who we believe may have witnessed the incident, if this was you please get in touch with us.

(Image: Deeside Community Trust) PICS: Large stones have been thrown into the pond, killing fish.

"If you have any information about what happened, or if you saw anyone around the area soaking wet, wearing no shoes etc please reach out to us. Your support is crucial in helping us address this situation. The police have been informed, and we're committed to ensuring this doesn’t happen again."

North Wales Police say they have been at the pond today (August 13) to 'provide reassurance' to the team.

NWP's North Flintshire team said: "Looking through the incidents over night, the most concerning is Criminal Damage caused at Ty Calon, where their Community of Friendship pond, built by volunteers thanks to a lottery grant, has been significantly damaged.

"Fish in the pond have died and the thousands of pounds of damage has been caused by youths who have entered the grounds.

"We'll be attending today to collect evidence and provide reassurance, we'll also be asking for assistance from our Design Out Crime Team and Community Safety Team to see what we can do to prevent these incidents."