GRIMETHORPE could face a business exodus if a spate in criminal damage does not end, it has been claimed this week.
The spotlight has fallen on the Acorn Centre - a business hub set up following the pit’s closure to encourage firms to base themselves in the village - after a gang of youths damaged the building last weekend.
The complex, home to several small businesses, also houses the library, which has had to ban some youngsters from entering.
A PACT meeting held in Cudworth on Wednesday, which sees police and council bosses meet to discuss localised crime, was told that youths had smashed several windows and damaged guttering on Sunday.
Pat Collins, from Aerospace Cutting Tools, said: “We’re a relatively new business in Grimethorpe as we set up in November. We’re fed up of having to deal with people who have no respect.
“We’re already at the point where we’re asking ourselves if it’s worth staying here. It’s a shame as we’re trying to build up a business and boost the local economy, but it’s been terrible with what’s been going on.”
Another business leader, who did not wish to be named, added: “It’s got to the point where everyone’s sick of being targeted. I’ve been at The Acorn Centre for a while and it’s always had a few niggles, which you have to expect, but it’s worse than ever and there doesn’t seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
“It’s all well and good having police patrolling the site, but they can’t be there all the time and I guarantee that when they finish their walkabout, the teens will come back and we’ll be back to square one.
“The damage is being caused by kids between the ages of ten and 15, but why not find out their names and visit their parents? It’s a cliche but everything starts at home - that’s where you’re taught about respect and caring about other people’s hard-earned property.”
Doreen Murdin, who is part of the village’s crime and safety group, urged action be taken before businesses decide to leave.
“There are people in Grimethorpe who are trying to improve the place and we do have businesses, some new ones, who are setting up here. That’s great, but they should not have to put up with constant issues such as the ones they have been encountering.
“There’s just no repercussions for those responsible. It doesn’t matter what they do because they know they will get away with it. They need to be taught about respect. Businesses are not going to stop in Grimethorpe if they have to put up with this.”
A children’s charity, the Exodus Project, is working with the police, council and Berneslai Homes to see if it can host events in Grimethorpe to give bored youngsters an outlet to channel their energy.
PC Bev Frisby said: “These issues at The Acorn Centre are a policing priority now, so for the next six weeks we will be focusing resources on attempting to tackle the problems.”
