Vandals cause heartache for the second time

That is the claim being made by a community leader whose group's equipment and belongings were completely lost in the first arson attack which decimated Bethany Hall on the town's Irish Green Street in 2008. In the early hours of Sunday morning vandals for the second time in two years torched the respected community building. Jean Canning, secretary of Limavady's Silver Thread Club has said this weekend's attack brought back the huge sense of loss which the club endured during the 2008 arson. The club had operated in the former old Termoncanice School premises until 2008, after losing everything including equipment and furniture in the previous attack.

"It just tugged on my heartstrings to hear the news this weekend," said Jean, "it brought it all back from two years ago."

"I had just been back from a week in Wales and had been on a high when I heard the news, it was devastating."

Jean went on: "We lost everything but manage to dry out some chairs and sell them on. But this time the arson has caused far worse damage than the first time I know that the den, which is attached onto the side of the hall, has been completely destroyed, and it was regularly used by groups such as scouts and St Pat's bowlers."

Jean adds: "The fire was no doubt caused by a bunch of young fellas with nothing better to do and who want to cause a sensation in the town. For some reason the hall is an easy target for them, but what, if anything, can be done to stop it from being a target?"

Limavady councillors Leslie Cubitt, Jack Rankin and George Robinson have totally condemned the attack and called for anyone with information on those responsible to contact police.

Alderman Robinson said: "I condemn without reservation those who committed this act. Not only have they destroyed a community facility, but a part of Limavady's history, as the building dated from the 1800's"

He added: "I know the premises were the target of a previous unsuccessful attempt to destroy it but sadly this time the perpetrators completely gutted the building. I understand that both the Northern Ireland Fire Service and the Police are currently continuing their investigations into the fire."

Alderman Rankin added: "I totally condemn what happened at Bethany Hall this weekend past. Equipment belonging to many community groups, including that of group of scouts, has all been destroyed. I sincerely hope those responsible are apprehended and that anyone with information on the attack contacts the police immediately."

Councillor Cubitt said: "These louts have caused a big loss to the community especially the youth groups. This attack is nothing more than wanton vandalism and I would appeal to anyone who seen or heard anything to contact police straight away."