VANDALS have wrecked the chance of a trip to Blackpool for disabled people.
They struck overnight at a centre in Almondbury – sabotaging the residents’ minibus for the sake of a few litres of petrol.
The yobs gouged a hole in the vehicle’s petrol tank to drain off the fuel and left them with a bill of more than £650.
But what was worse was the damage took place only hours before the disabled residents of Ferndale Lodge were planning a trip to Blackpool and the illuminations.
Centre manager Michael Craven said: “They were really disappointed.
“We had been planning the trip for ages and they were all looking forward to a day out in Blackpool and a ride through the lights”.
Ferndale Lodge, in Hurst Knowle, caters for seven people ranging in age from 24 to 63.
All are either physically disabled or have learning difficulties and have made their home at the centre, which used to be The Lion pub.
The minibus was parked in the centre’s car park when the vandals struck.
Mr Craven said: “It was the first time we have had any problems with anything like this and it has caused us a real heartache.
“We have other centres in Birkby and Deighton and none of them have experienced any problems with vandals.
“We have had to send the minibus away to be repaired and that’s going to cost us hundreds of pounds.
“We may also have to look at a better security system to make sure we are safe in the future”.
The incident has been reported to West Yorkshire Police.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police via 101.
