Support floods in for Church Preen arson-hit group
Wednesday 9th November 2011, 6:59PM GMT.
A community has been left ‘devastated’ by an arson attack on a church youth campsite in south Shropshire, it has been claimed.
Youth camp chairman Guy Maxfield surveys the damage
Two storage sheds containing marquees, tents and cooking equipment were destroyed by a fire at the campsite in Church Preen on Sunday morning. Greek Orthodox Youth of Great Britain Camp organisers believe about £40,000 of damage was caused in the vandal attack.
The church community has been inundated with messages of support following the incident, which is being treated as arson.
It comes just weeks after plans were to build permanent storage facilities and a toilet and shower block were submitted.
The plans have been backed by members of Church Preen, Hughley and Kenley Parish Council.
The matter is due to be discussed at the annual general meeting of Shropshire Youth Association at Shrewsbury Town Football Club’s Greenhous Meadow tonight.
Church officials, who own the field, are due to consider their next move over the next few days.
Sarah Hart, a member of the Greek Orthodox movement in Shropshire, said local people had contacted them since the incident to say how devastated they were.
Michael Sagar, clerk of Cardington Parish Council which covers the area where the field lies, added: “The parish council is very saddened by what has happened.
“We are of the opinion that the youth camp and its plans for development should be supported.
“We cannot understand why anyone would want to do something like starting a fire, especially when people in the community are prepared to give up their own free time to give youngsters a taste of the countryside.”
Anyone with information about the suspected arson attack is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101 or pass on details anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
By Peter Kitchen
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