West Calder Community Hub is appealing for public support following a break-in during the early hours of Tuesday morning which caused significant damage to the building and distress to staff and volunteers.
At approximately 1.20am on July 28, two young males, believed to be in their early teens, broke into the hub. While little was stolen, the damage caused has had a substantial impact on the organisation, which only recently took over responsibility for the facility on behalf of the local community.
Police Investigation
Police Scotland attended the scene and recorded the incident under Police Incident Number PS-20260728-0501. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting that number.
Community Ownership Challenges
The incident comes just months after the community stepped forward to take over the operation of the building following cost-saving measures by West Lothian Council. Community ownership is often celebrated as a positive way of protecting valued local facilities, but organisations across Scotland are increasingly finding themselves carrying significant operational and financial risks that were previously borne by local authorities.
As councils face severe budget pressures, community groups are being asked to take responsibility for important public assets including community centres, village halls and leisure facilities. These organisations often do so with limited financial resources, relying heavily on volunteers, fundraising efforts and competitive grant funding to maintain buildings and deliver services.
For community-led organisations, incidents such as vandalism and break-ins can have consequences far beyond repair costs. They divert scarce funds away from frontline services, create additional administrative burdens and place further pressure on volunteers and staff working to keep these facilities open.
Hub Services
West Calder Community Hub provides affordable and accessible services for residents of all ages, including low-cost meals and social activities for older residents to reduce social isolation; activities for children and adults such as Taekwondo, Gymnastics and Yoga; a welcoming community café; support services including employability assistance, dementia-friendly activities and carer support; and an affordable community gym.
Appeal from the Hub
A spokesperson for West Calder Community Hub said: “It is heartbreaking to see damage caused to a building that the community has worked so hard to save.
“Every pound spent repairing vandalism is a pound that cannot be invested in activities, services and support for local people. Community organisations across Scotland are stepping up to protect important local assets, but incidents like this demonstrate the growing risks that communities are being expected to shoulder.”
The hub is currently fundraising to improve secure entry to the building, safeguarding community access for future generations. Residents, businesses and supporters who wish to contribute can donate via the hub's support website.
West Calder Community Hub thanked the community for its continued support and encourages anyone with information regarding the break-in to contact Police Scotland.
