Ram-raiders smash their way into Whittington Castle shed
Ram-raiders have smashed open a storage shed in the latest act of vandalism at a picturesque castle.
Whittington Castle near Oswestry has been targeted by vandals in recent weeks, with paint daubed on the ancient moment and young cyclists riding through a wedding reception.
Now the 'bothy shed' in which tables, chairs and gardening equipment is stored, has been broken open after a car was driven at it.
Trustees of the community run castle say repairing the shed and ensuring it is secure will put another hole in their budget.
The shed was attacked after 10pm on Monday, after visitors had enjoyed one of the castle's Halloween ghost tours.
West Mercia Police said: "A car was driven at the doors of a shed at Whittington Castle knocking the doors off the hinges.
"The alarm was activated and the offenders drove off. The burglary happened between 10.20pm and 10.30pm.
"Any witnesses, or anyone who saw a suspicious vehicle in the area around the time of the incident, is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference 689s 291018 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Mr Jonjo Evans, chairman of the trustees, said the car had had to drive off the car park surface to get to the shed.
"There is nothing of real value to thieves in the shed. We use it to store tables and chairs and things like our lawnmower.
"The ghost tours had given us some lighter moments is what really has been a frustrating time here at the castle.
"We locked up and went home with all the guest having enjoyed themselves and then we get the calls about this break-in.
"Trustees are all volunteers and are now having to spend their time and energy sorting this out, making sure the building is secure."
When obscenities were scrawled on the ancient stonework of the castle earlier this month, the Whittington Castle Preservation Trust was told it would have to employ expensive specialist restoration experts to remove the paint.
A JustGiving appeal launched by Mick Tompkins has since raised more than £1,800 for the work and other repairs at the castle. The nearby primary school also raised £330 with a cake sale.
"Now we will will have to use some of that money to repair the shed and make it secure," Mr Evans said.
Anyone who wants to donate can do so at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/help-whittington-castle. It is thought the work to erase the graffiti could cost £3,000.
