Vandal attack costs Worcester disability charity £20,000

Richard Whateley, pictured with manager Alison Cook, thanked supporters for getting the centre back on its feet after minibus windows were smashed and tyres slashed

A vandalism attack at a day care centre for people with learning disabilities has cost the charity more than £20,000, staff said.

Windows were smashed on buildings and purpose-built minibuses at The Myriad Centre in Worcester two weeks ago.

More than £4,000 has since been pledged by supporters to repair the damage.

Richard Whateley, centre CEO, thanked clients' families, staff, local business and residents for contributing "so generously".

"At first we thought we might lose up to £40,000," he added.

"We've reassessed that because we've been able to get one vehicle on the road a bit quicker than we originally thought."

Vandals also broke windows of the building on Goodrest Close

Mr Whateley said the reassessed figure of about £20,000 was still "a considerable loss" for the charity.

The damage was found shortly after the centre moved into a new building on Goodrest close.

Two minibuses used to transport people from their homes are now back on the road, with a third still undergoing repairs.

The centre, which supports about 16 young adults with respite care, has partially reopened, with parents bringing family members where possible, Mr Whateley added.

"[People] have been so supportive, it's been so uplifting. It takes a terrible event like this to bring out the best in everybody," he said.

West Mercia Police, which is investigating the incident, has been approached by the BBC for comment.