Council to 'consider next steps' on building 'vandalised by youths'

This comes as plans to transform an old and 'derelict' building in Stonehouse were abandoned last month due to 'vandalism'. 

The Old Library building in Elm Road - which had been unused for a long time - was to be turned into a community space. 

The building was to be reopened for the community to use for events, parties, indoor markets and a warm space over the winter months.

There were also plans to have hot food available on a pay-as-you-feel system.

All of these plans have now been abandoned due to 'vandalism' at the site, say organisers. 

"Since we announced the takeover, it has been vandalised three or four times," said a spokesperson for Stonehouse Town Market.

"It has been vandalised needlessly and beyond any form of repair.

"As the building stood prior, we could have repaired it and made it useable. Now we have no hope.

"We are extremely saddened by the recklessness of some youths, especially as they are possibly from the town where we are trying to do good things.

"We are sorry Stonehouse."

Council's response

A Gloucestershire County Council spokesperson said: “We have been informed by Stroud Markets Community Interest Company that it no longer wishes to go ahead with leasing the former library building in Stonehouse.

"Bearing in mind the state of the building, we are now considering our next steps.”