VANDALS have damaged Bromsgrove’s BirdBox for the second time in three weeks.
Signage at the quirky, bird-themed venue was replaced last Wednesday after the first mindless attack. Extra screws and glue were used to make the site more secure.
But just days later, the signage has been destroyed again.
The initial replacement was funded by the Government’s ‘Welcome Back’ grant, designed to help high streets get back on their feet.
Bromsgrove centres manager, Simon Creed, said: “My heart sank when I saw vandals had targeted BirdBox yet again.
“Especially after releasing a statement last week saying how we hoped it would be used to its full potential again soon.
“This vandalism is so much more than just ripping a piece of plastic off some hoarding.
“What they fail to realise is that it’s not just a minor inconvenience or a minor cost to someone. By vandalising the space, they are discouraging people from coming to BirdBox which has serious knock-on effects for, not only the economy, but to local businesses who have already struggled so much in the past year.
“We are looking at our options for changing the signage in the future but it makes me really sad that it even has to be a consideration.”
Bromsgrove District Council’s CCTV team are reviewing footage from nearby cameras to try and identify the vandals.
“After releasing images of the vandalism on our social media pages, we have received no end of support from people who share our disgust and sadness at this selfish act,” added Simon.
“It really showed me how much the space is loved, used, and appreciated by so many.”
The BirdBox, launched last year, is an open space designed for pop-up vendors to sell their goods and hold events.
It’s also a place for shoppers to sit down and relax while in the town centre.