VANDALISM of a charity building in West Kilbride has been condemned for costing the organisation "vital funds".

It follows a social media post from the West Kilbride Village Hall, which is a registered charity, showing one of the building's windows smashed earlier this week.

It came only a day after the venue hosted a 'family fun bingo night' in order to raise funds to help with the maintenance of the hall.

Their post read: "After a great evening of family fun bingo last Saturday (February 18) to help with funds to maintain the hall to a high standard for our various regular lets and other functions/events it is a shame that someone decides to smash one of our Ritchie Street windows on Sunday night.

"As a charity we try so very hard to raise funds to keep the hall running so it is disheartening to find this vandalism."

It is unclear exactly how the window came to be damaged, though traces of blood were found to be on the remains of the window the following morning.

Police Scotland have said investigations into the incident are under way, although it is still early days.

A force spokesperson said: “At around 9.45am on Monday, February 20, 2023, we received a report that a window was smashed at a premises on Arthur Street, West Kilbride.

“Enquiries are at an early stage.”

Local councillor Todd Ferguson was also quick to condemn the act, which will leave the charity out of pocket.

He said: “It is very disappointing to hear that West Kilbride Village Hall has been vandalised. 

“These facilities are there for the benefit of the entire community and this type of anti-social behaviour is unwelcome.

“Sadly, it will now cost the charity vital funds to repair the damage. 

“At a time when everyone is feeling the pinch due to the cost of living crisis, these funds could have been put to better use."

The North Coast councillor has also said it is important that those responsible now try to make amends.

Cllr Ferguson added: “I would encourage anyone that was involved to get in touch directly with the village hall team and offer to make reparations for the senseless damage that they have caused. 

“It is important that we give people the opportunity to do the right thing. 

“However, should they not be forthcoming in owning up then I would encourage anyone with information to speak to those who are looking into the incident.”