WHITEHILL Village Hall has been forced to close due to the latest incident in a long-running battle against vandalism. The hall was closed after eight windows, including six double-glazed panels, were broken in a recent vandalism attack. It could remain closed for another three weeks, depending on insurance matters. The hall has been damaged regularly for almost two years and the problem has now reached crisis point. Treasurer of the village hall, Ron Seargant, said: "The damage is completely unnecessary. It's pathetic. It is incredibly expensive to repair and is now affecting the groups that use the hall. "At least one or two groups are giving up because of intimidation. Some are terrified." Following a meeting with a crime prevention officer, the trustees of the village hall are now considering methods of reducing the problems. Improvements to visibility are a priority, including removing the scrub between the A325 and the hall and better lighting. It is thought that a mosquito device - which emits an uncomfortable, high-pitched noise that is only audible to people under the age of 25 - could also be installed. Town councillor Chris Wain said: "It was suggested that we brick up some of the windows because even the plastic ones have been burnt." Police have made arrests in relation to vandalism at the hall. Mr Sergeant said: "The vandalism has eased off following the convictions, but that could also be due to the fact that there's nothing else to vandalise - it's all boarded up. It's so pathetic and unnecessary. We know the police are stretched and they have been very good in responding to our calls, but it's an ongoing problem." The trustees of the hall, a registered charity, are currently looking into the possibility of handing over responsibility of the hall to Whitehill Town Council. Town mayor David Williamson said: "There is a possibility that the town council could adopt the village hall and the surrounding area to make sure that everything is done there. We wouldn't do a better job, but we have more clout." The car park for the building is also in need of repair and, without funding from other bodies, the trustees will have to patch the potholes as opposed to resurfacing the whole area. Town councillor Zoya Faddy said: "There's a lot of money from the district council going to other village halls and this should be a real priority."
