Public's reaction to vandals trashing village hall 'immense', says council chairman

The inside of the hall is unrecognisable after vandals sprayed paint on the walls and floors.

They also smeared a War memorial plaque featuring names of men who fought – some of whom died – from the area during the First World War. 

Laurence Jinks, chairman of Darnhall Parish Council, told the Guardian the council has been inundated with offers of support from members of the public following the break-in.

Cllr Jinks: “The response we have had from local people, even people further afield, is immense. Everybody wants to help.

“People want to offer their services, goods and their own time to me to put everything back up and running again.”

While there have been no arrests so far, it is believed the offenders may be from Wharton, in Winsford.

The letters WYF – which are believed to stand for Wharton Youth Firm – are written in several locations inside the village hall.

Cllr Jinks said: “People are just devastated to think people could do something like that.

“We presume it is the Wharton Youth Firm. We have no connection to Wharton people. We’re just a country village hall. We’re just minding our own business.

“We have the Darnhall Brownies, Guides, dancers, WI. Those people have never hurt anybody.”

The council chairman was particularly shocked by the damage to the War memorial plaque.

He said: “I just couldn’t believe it. Normally young people these days are quite respectful regarding wars in the past.

“They’ve shown no regard whatsoever for what their fore fathers have done for us.”

At the moment the council are unable to begin clearing up the mess.

At a meeting last night at St David's Church, Wettenhall, it was decided to request that a professional cleaner should be sent in due to the health and safety hazards.

Cllr Jinks said: “Our aim now is just to get up and running as soon as possible.

“We want to show them the British spirit is not going to be beaten by something like that.”