Kettering Sea Cadets' joy as Gretton family firm fixes vandalised minibus

A Gretton-based windscreen repair firm has come to the rescue of a Kettering youth group who were left without vital transport after their minibus was vandalised.

Steve Farr, owner of Rapid Windscreens, was told about the plight of Kettering Sea Cadets after vandals smashed the windcscreen of their minibus when employee Lee Elliot read the story in the Northants Telegraph.

The pair wanted to help and today replaced the damaged £400 screen free of charge.

Mr Ellliot said: "I got really wound up by all the negative comments on the story. I have a lad who plays football and I know how important a minibus can be for groups like this.

"I told Steve and he said immediately that we'd help. It's hard enough for kids so we wanted to get them back on the road."

The pair visited the group's headquarters in London Road today (Monday) to fit the new windscreen and meet the Sea Cadets and volunteer staff.

Mr Farr said: "It was just wanton vandalism and we are always happy to help when we can."

Northamptonshire Police are investigating the incident which happened between 6pm on Tuesday, October 13, and 11.30am Thursday, October 15 at the Sea Cadets' London Road base.

The offenders climbed over a fence into the car park before throwing bricks at the mini bus, which smashed the windscreen.

A number of boats were also damaged and eight plastic barriers were vandalised, costing £300.

With the minibus repaired, the cadets and their adult helpers will be able to travel to raise money for the annual Poppy Appeal.

First Lieutenant Chris Jablonski said: "It's absolutely fantastic that Rapid Windscreens helped out. I can't thank Steve and Lee enough.

"Now we can get back to using the minibus and get on with the Poppy collection.

"We shall be selling them in a Covid compliant way in the Newlands Centre and in supermarkets."

The 35-strong group of Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets have been meeting outside as much as possible sailing at Wicksteed Park and Thrapston lakes and using their outdoor space to ensure social distancing.

Their Go Fund Me page will remain open to pay for the other damage damage caused to equipment kept on the site.

Police officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area between the stated times.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

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