A VILLAGE chapel is under threat because of vandalism.

Over the past few weeks, Sunnybrow Community Chapel has had windows broken, guttering and downpipes have been damaged and the building has been daubed with graffiti.

The chapel is used for regular worship. It also provides a meeting place for a drop-in club, a carer and toddler group, SureStart Active Tots and Willington Youth Theatre.

Church secretary Brian Myers said: "Our elderly congregation struggle to heat and maintain the chapel as they feel it is a vital part of village life, and as such should maintain as strong a link with the community as possible. Vandalism puts an unnecessary strain on our budget.

"Extra costs can only be absorbed for a limited time and, if the attacks persist, our congregation will seriously have to consider the impact that this is having on our work.

"It would be unthinkable that a community facility should be threatened by the mindless actions of a few."

He appealed for villagers to report any incidents of vandalism to the police.