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Pictured (from left): Anthony Fowler, David Brazil, Peter Dold and Andy Samel |
Arson attack fails to close wildlife centre
Office badly damaged but boss pledges: ‘We stay open’
THE project manager at an Archway wildlife centre has pledged that it will remain open despite an arson attack which virtually destroyed its main office.
Andy Samel, who runs Sunnyside Community Gardens, in Hazellville Road opposite the Elthorne estate, said: “We suspect it was young vandals. I’d love to show them what they have done and why it is important to be supporting our centre, not trying to destroy it.”
Police are investigating the blaze, which erupted at 7pm on Sunday. Material under the eaves of the building was set alight and flames spread quickly to the roof and walls of the mainly wooden building.
The office provided shelter in poor weather for up to 40 volunteers a week, and was an administrative base for Mr Samel.
He added: “We are insured and we will need to discover whether the building can be repaired or if it needs to be rebuilt. But damage is pretty extensive and the office can’t be used. Fortunately, we have use of a nearby community centre for essential needs.”
The charity, set up 25 years ago, runs a weekly Sunday organic market and provides therapeutic gardening for mental health patients. None of these activities are being affected.
The office was built to ecological designs and had solar panels and small windows to maintain heat during the winter. “People need to know we are still open for business,” Mr Samel added.
“We hold bicycle workshops on the fourth Wednesday of every month between 7.30 pm and 9pm and on the second and fourth Saturday of every month from noon to 2pm.
“We could put up CCTV cameras and high fences but we don’t want to go there. We are proud to be a community asset.” |
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