Bromsgrove rallies together after vandal attack on Avoncroft Museum

The Stoke Heath museum had only just reopened after months of closure due to lockdown when vandals caused significant damage to its buildings, forcing it to close again.

Thanks to donations and community support the museum is hoping to reopen this weekend and every weekend in May.

Smashed windows at the museum. Photo: @AvoncroftMuseum

Windows have been smashed at the Bromsgrove museum. Photo: @AvoncroftMuseum

Vandalism at Avoncroft Museum in Bromsgrove. Photo: @AvoncroftMuseum

On Facebook, a post from the museum said: “We are overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support we've received after the recent vandalism. Your messages mean so much to us - we can only read a few at a time, but they have buoyed us up through a hard day yesterday.

“Thanks to the help of so many, all broken glass has been cleared up outdoors, and all windows are safely boarded up. Thanks to AA Security Services for dropping your planned weekend of DIY and coming to the rescue. And to whole families of volunteers who helped to make the site safe again and boosted our morale.

“We have every intention of being back up and running next weekend, 8 & 9 May, and every weekend in May. The buildings may not be looking their best right now, but they tell a story of love and care through the generations - and there is still plenty of open space to enjoy.”

The attack was discovered by West Mercia Police officers and museum staff were responded to an alarm call.

READ MORE

• Avoncroft Museum in Bromsgrove closes after 'vandal attack'

Vandals smashed windows and damaged the interiors of Toll House and Nailers Cottage, with plates and ornaments broken.

Sergeant Steve O’Neill said: “We take all reports such as this extremely seriously and the criminal damage caused at the weekend is inexcusable. While we continue to investigate we have increased patrols in the area and have a key to access the grounds overnight, and I would ask that anyone with any information please contact us on 101 or via our online reporting page.”

A Twitter page for West Merica Police dogs said: "Foot patrol with Alvin at @AvoncroftMuseum following extensive vandalism this weekend. Shocking to see this mindless vandalism! If you have any information regarding this call us on 101."

Foot patrol with Alvin at @AvoncroftMuseum following extensive vandalism this weekend. Shocking to see this mindless vandalism! If you have any information regarding this call us on 101. pic.twitter.com/GKod2YXaSu

— PD ALVIN & PD COSMO! 😜 (@pd_alvin) May 3, 2021

A spokesperson for Avoncroft Museum said: “After a concerted effort on the 2nd May from museum staff, volunteers and the Bromsgrove Society of Model Engineers the effected windows are now boarded up and all the broken glass has been removed from the grounds. Boarding up alone has cost into the thousands and obtaining the specialist heritage glass for the Chapel and Nailers Cottage will not come cheap. Nor will obtaining replacement contents to essentially re-display the interiors of these buildings. Our initial estimates for all the work put it as being in the tens of thousands of pounds.

Bromsgrove MP, Sajid Javid visited Avoncroft Museum to offer his support.

Sajid Javid, MP for Bromsgrove also visited the museum on May 2 to offer his support in repairing the damage.

He said: “It is appalling and deeply upsetting to see this damage caused by such mindless vandalism. As I saw myself, the damage is extensive”.

“My thoughts are with the staff and volunteers who would have been looking forward to opening again after many months closed. I urge anyone with information about the incident to local police on 101.”

“The Avoncroft Museum is a fantastic part of our local heritage and culture. In times such as this, it is more important than ever to support them. I would encourage residents to visit the museum this summer and if you are able to, support their appeal for donations so the damage can be repaired.”

To donate please visit Avoncroft Museum’s website.