The chairman of a Whitchurch playing fields targeted by thieves has expressed his disgust at ‘scumbags’ who stole from a shed.

A chainsaw was stolen from Queensway Playing Fields, in Whitchurch, last week while a strimmer was broken beyond repair.

Rob Hewson, chairman of the Playing Fields Association, admitted he was shocked and disgusted that someone could target a charity.

“The annoying part of it is we’re a charity and we’re raising money to keep this park open for the people of Whitchurch,” said the former mayor.

“It really makes me cross there are scumbag people in this town.

“Because they’re not breaking into a house, they don’t think they are hurting anyone – but we are working hard to raise funds.

“When it’s a charity for people, then it does hurt us and it’s very upsetting.

“A lady called Emma Vernon has donated a strimmer to replace the one taken after she’d heard about us and we can’t thank her enough.”

Mr Hewson says the theft and damage has been reported to police and insisted that while it is the first time the charity has been targeted at the playing fields, it still rankles.

He also added that if the items were stolen from within the town, the perpetrators could be hurting people they know.

He said: “We have reported it to West Mercia Police. All they have done is given us a crime reference number and didn’t bother coming out.

“This isn’t a regular occurrence for us, but it does still hurt.

“We’re trying to make people aware and to know we are charity and can’t pick money from the sky to replace things.

“Whoever has done this, their parents could have donated to us and helped us out in the past.

“If anyone wanted to help us replace the stolen equipment, then please get in touch.”

Mr Hewson can be contacted on 07779 491933.

Anyone with any information on the theft can call the police on 101.