Groups of youngsters have repeatedly climbed onto the roof of a charity building used by seriously ill and disabled children in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, before jumping into the sea below. The Harriet Davis Seaside Holiday Trust has warned that someone could be seriously injured or killed as the dangerous activity escalates.
The trust, which provides specialist holiday accommodation for families caring for children with disabilities, complex medical needs and life-limiting conditions, says the problem has escalated dramatically in recent weeks. As many as 24 people have accessed the roof around high tide, causing damage as they climb up and down the building. Footage of the jumps has been shared on social media with the caption: “Got to keep the Tenby tradition going!”
Charity warns of 'extremely serious danger to life'
Senior Administrator Carol Lincoln said: “The activity presents an extremely serious danger to life - both to the young people jumping from the roof, and to fishing and other boats which may unfortunately be in the water below them.” She added that the situation has escalated significantly, with as many as 24 young people on every high tide on the roof, jumping from the adjacent property into the sea and causing deliberate damage to the building.
Lincoln also described youths hammering on doors and windows as they climb onto and descend from the roof, which she said is “understandably terrifying for the vulnerable families staying inside the property.” The charity has repeatedly tried to make the building harder to access, including using anti-climb paint and fitting plastic spikes across the roof and three access points. Thousands of pounds have reportedly been spent repairing damage.
Police advice did not deter youngsters
Families staying at the property contacted police about the youngsters but were told on some occasions that officers would not attend. When officers did visit, the charity was advised to remove bins used to help people climb onto the roof. Lincoln said the youths instead stole fuel bins from the harbour and used those. She added that the young people are deliberately smearing anti-climb paint over external walls and progressively ripping plastic spikes from the roof, causing serious and continuing damage.
The trust says its biggest concern is the impact on families who use the accommodation for what can be a rare opportunity to enjoy a holiday together. Lincoln said most visiting families come from Wales, and some are local. “They are parents and carers looking after children and young people who may have profound disabilities, complex medical needs or life-limiting conditions,” she said. “For many of them, this is an extremely precious opportunity to spend time together and create positive family memories in circumstances where ordinary holidays are simply not possible.”
Charity calls for stronger action
The charity has called for stronger action from police, parents and council officials before the behaviour ends in tragedy. Lincoln said: “The greater the number of people jumping or even simply accessing our roof, the greater the possibility of a fatality. This risk is now very real. It is now a serious and escalating public safety issue involving criminal damage, deliberate trespass, risk to life and the welfare of vulnerable families staying within our properties. We cannot wait until somebody is seriously injured or killed before this is treated with the urgency it deserves.”
County Councillor Michael Williams has backed the Trust and written to police calling for action, saying there is a genuine fear that there could be a fatality. He said: “In my opinion at the very least criminal damage is being caused by these youths and they are trespassing with intent, and I would ask that you consider taking action on these specific activities. The Trust and their guests are being let down by the inability or unwillingness of organisations they should be able to rely on to effectively address these activities.”
