STAFF and volunteers at a charity community centre are devastated that they have been targeted by thieves.

Floodlights worth £400 have been stolen from the Nursteed Centre in Nursteed Road, Devizes.

Centre manager Jenny Cooper said: “It is very disappointing that we are going to have to dip into the money we have raised for a second phase of refurbishment at the centre to replace these lights.

“I can’t understand why anyone would want to steal from a charity like ours which is doing its best to help people in the community.”

The lights were taken over the weekend of December 13 and 14 but the theft was not noticed until people turned up for an evening meeting last Monday.

Mrs Cooper said: “We have, with the help of fundraising, donations and grants, made many improvements to the centre this year. This work has mostly been undertaken by volunteers.

“The LED floodlights will have to be replaced urgently as the centre is used regularly by disabled groups in the evening.”

She said the centre was insured but the committee was looking into whether or not it was worth making a claim because of an excess that would have to be paid and potential increase in premium.

She said: “Everyone involved in the centre is very upset about what has happened. The lights were unscrewed so it looks as if the thieves knew what they had come for.”

The centre is used by 24 different groups and is available for hire for parties and meetings.

It has provided a meeting place for disabled groups in the Devizes area for 30 years.

The community centre was created by the Devizes and District Association for the Disabled in the old school kitchens next to Southbroom Junior School.

In the past year the main hall has been revamped with new heating and decoration. A second phase of work to improve an office is about to get underway.

Mrs Cooper said: “The hall is much brighter now and we hope more people will get in touch about hiring it, especially at weekends for things such as children’s parties.”