Reposted from Wales Online News

War museum volunteers displayed the true “blitz spirit” when vandals targeted their premises for a third time.

Staff and helpers at Barry War Museum refused to the latest break in stop their fifth anniversary celebrations and they continued with a 1940s singalong and afternoon tea despite “mindless” criminals having earlier attempted a break-in.

But organisers branded the vandals’ actions “despicable”, and warned they were disrupting the future plans of the museum.

As they prepared for their landmark celebration at Barry Island Station on Saturday, they found someone had tried to prise a door open at a nearby building which they hope to take over.

The attack took place at the Plymouth Road Exhibition Building, which has been earmarked for an extension of the museum.

Two previous incidents have already put the group’s plans on hold.

John Buxton, managing director of British Tourist Railway. said: “We noticed the damage on Saturday.

“Someone could see that someone had tried to prise the door open. We have had two vandal attacks there. It used to be used to store railway vehicles. There were more things there but we moved them following the other incidents.

“The people who did this would have been disappointed this time as there wasn’t much there.”

John, 65, explained the group felt “huge disappointment” at the news but, in true wartime spirit, they were determined not to let the “despicable event” dampen their mood. Members of the group continued to sing along to 1940s songs.

Even though the event went ahead John said the group really wants justice to be served.

He said: “In the past, thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused.

“Things have been broken and graffiti has been left. People have put so much effort into our project – telling the history of Barry in terms of the community, the docks, the railway and the two world wars.

“The town has a great history, but few people know it’s rich and interesting story.

“While we have been working to this end, there are others who have been seriously undermining our efforts but we shall overcome. It’s such a shame that these mindless vandals are delaying our plans.

“These people must be caught or the whole community will be the loser.”

South Wales Police confirmed the unit was targeted by vandals. The door was forced open and the interior vandalized with graffiti. Anyone with information is urged to contact 101 quoting reference number 463447.

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