Wrexham,North Wales - Miracle’ no-one killed in Wrexham power box vandal attack

What won't they destroy in Wrexham?

Published date: 28 October 2015 | 

Published by: Rory Sheehan
Read more articles by Rory Sheehan

VANDALS who smashed an electric box could have been killed, according to a councillor.

Cefn Community Council chairman Ken Bathers says it is a “miracle” no-one was electrocuted after the electric box at the village’s multi use games area (MUGA) was vandalised.

The box is used to power the facility’s floodlights, but a technical problem meant the MUGA was lit up throughout Saturday, day and night.

The groundsman switched the power off on Sunday but the electric box was damaged on Monday night.

Cllr Bathers has spoken of his relief that no-one was killed, but said he was worried the community now risked losing the facility altogether.

He said: “In the winter months Cefn Community Council switches on the floodlights to the MUGA all-weather pitch for the youth of the area to enjoy the facility free of charge.

“The lights are switched on from a timer on the side of the play area.

“We have had vandalism on the MUGA and surrounding areas, including smashing three of the floodlights, on a number of occasions in the past.

“It puts a strain on finances.”

He added: “Previously the groundsman put the power on to the lights but they failed to work.

“An electrical engineer was called out last week and the problem was that the timer unit had failed.

“A new timer was fitted and when the lights came on last Friday they stayed on.

“The groundsman was called out on Sunday morning to disconnect the power to the box, but on Monday night the box was smashed open. This is the fourth time the box has been damaged and at a considerable cost.

“Thankfully there was no power to the box as someone could have been electrocuted.”

Cllr Bathers said precautions have been taken to make the area safe, but the village could lose the MUGA if it proves too costly.

He said: “The power box will now have to be moved to a secure place in the football dressing rooms.

“The cost is expected to be between £5-£10,000, and if the council decide the cost is too high maybe the youngsters here will have lost a very good facilty.

“We have reported it to the police and I sincerely hope the culprit is caught.”

Anyone with any information about the damage should contact police on 101.

The crime reference number is S164639.