VOLUNTEERS at a treasured community asset have slammed the “disgusting” actions of a vandal who trashed their centre.

Barrow Community Kitchen sustained substantial damage after a vandal attacked the centre on Friday night.

The kitchen, situated on Longway, provides hot meals for people of low income and helps those suffering from various issues, will remain shut on Monday.

Repairs will now have to be carried out after the kitchen project manager Sharon Foden confirmed windows had been smashed.

She said: “Due to severe vandalism to the centre, we will be not opening Monday, this is so repairs can be done.

“It’s disgusting behaviour.”

Ms Foden added that a vandal, known to the area, smashed windows and plant pots, and rooted through bins while throwing the contents all over.

Ms Foden said: “Witnesses have given a name over, and the police will be involved.

“We have the most amazing team of volunteers, who work tirelessly to provide a service to help anyone in need and this will put us back in our funds.”

John Wright, director at the community group, said on Saturday: “We discovered the damage after collecting donations from Tesco last night.

“We found the garden equipment had been vandalised - leaving it unusable and the gents toilets windows have been smashed in.

“I feel angry because we were setting up a pre-summer BBQ at the centre, which we’re now going to have to postpone.

“It’s very sad to see something like this happen for a centre which only wants to help the community.”

Readers have expressed their disgust at the “mindless” act of vandalism.

John Wadsworth said on The Mail’s Facebook page: “Pathetic and disrespectful considering how much this centre does for the community.”

Pamela Mitton added: “Mindless idiots.”

Mind-in-Furness chairman and community kitchen director, Michael Cassells said: I spoke to Ms Foden and she confirmed even though this was very distressing it won’t stop the kitchen supporting people - it’s definitely business as usual.

"We want to thank to everyone for the kind support and donations.

"The main cost is replacing security glass and any surplus will go towards making the building more welcoming and secure.

"Going forward, we want to start an evening youth activities group as soon as we secure funding."

Barrow Community Kitchen was launched by Ms Foden and Mr Wright in October 2015, to make sure no-one was forced to go hungry because they had been dealt a benefits sanction, and to help tackle loneliness and isolation within the area.

Food is supplied by Morrisons and Tesco supermarkets with additional products either donated or purchased using money collected during fundraising events.