Hemel Hempstead food bank and cafe reopens after 'intentional vandalism' incident
A community support service in Hemel Hempstead has reopened after it was forced to pay out for repairs following a vandalism incident.
Apsley Free Community Cafe & Food Bank is fully operational again after an individual damaged its toilets. Staff believe the individual deliberately caused a blockage and flooded the establishment’s toilets after arguing with staff. They also forced entry into a locked toilet causing further damage, a spokesperson announced.
A spokesperson for the business said today that it was ‘an intentional act of vandalism’ and that the person was ‘intimidating staff’.
It has been confirmed by a cafe representative that the individual has been banned from visiting the cafe but police were not called in connection with the incident.
"This occurred AFTER we explained the door was locked for a reason and to use one of the toilet facilities open to all of our service users,” a spokesperson for the cafe said in a statement.
Staff and volunteers tried to fix the blockage over a two-day period to no avail. Eventually, the food bank, which relies completely on community donations and volunteer support, called in an expert to fix the blockage.
According to the repairer, the damage appeared to have been caused deliberately, a staff member said to the Gazette that the repairs cost around £200.
The cafe spokesperson also said: “We wish to thank all volunteers for their extra time and help, and the amazing outside help offered at this very frustrating and expensive time.”
A spokesperson also confirmed to the Gazette that the service is again operating at full capacity.