Youngsters have one again caused damage to Kilwinning’s Abbey ruins with another bin burnt out in the grounds.

Infuriated volunteers revealed more damage to Kilwinning’s historic Abbey ruins last week after complaints on ongoing disorder within the area back in the Summer – with police confirming they were called at about 6.56pm on Wednesday, December 1.

Fire crews attended with Police Scotland adding they await an update on the blaze from the Scottish Fire and Rescue service.

Officers increased patrols earlier in the year after complaints from Kilwinning councillor that the levels of policing in the town were ‘unacceptable’ after a volunteer was targeted and woman reported offering to flash kids.

A spokesperson from Kilwinning Heritage said: “Kilwinning Abbey ruins are an A-listed monument, thought to have been here for around 800 years in some form.

 

 

"Less than four months ago there was a wheelie bin fire on the grass in the cloisters area but at some point this week there has been another, this time within a more enclosed part of the ruins. This has caused substantial damage to the stonework.

“These ruins have stood the test of time and will stand for another 800 years with proper care and attention. It is infuriating to see these mindless acts of vandalism threaten the future of the abbey and it’s place in Kilwinning.

“This vandalism not only creates an obvious eye sore and cost to those who maintain it, but it also reduces the development opportunities for the grounds – with vandals being cited as reason not to put new features in the grounds.

“Please if you see anything untoward then report it to the Police, Fire or NAC Streetscene and help us prevent these events before more damage is done.

“We have looked at CCTV but it’s a very lengthy process and presents a variety of challenges, mainly that we wouldn’t get consent to attach cameras to the ruins tower and an archaeological survey would be required to put the wires into the ground.

 

Back in August, Inspector Andy Dolan said: “We are aware of concerns raised by residents in Kilwinning relating to groups of youths gathering and causing upset and damage. Anti-social behaviour, in any form will not be tolerated.

“Additional patrols are being carried out in areas where youths are known to gather and anyone with concerns can speak to officers.

“Anyone witnessing anti-social behaviour should report it to us and those found to be involved will be dealt with.”