Reckless thrillseekers ignore police warnings to plunge into sea from children’s charity roof

Reckless thrillseekers ignore police warnings to plunge into sea from children’s charity roof The Harriet Davis Seaside Holiday Trust in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, has warned someone could be seriously injured or killed as groups of young children climb onto its roof Thrillseekers have been jumping into the sea from the roof of a charity building used by seriously ill and disabled children. Groups of youngsters have repeatedly climbed onto the Harriet Davis Seaside Holiday Trust building in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, before “tombstoning” into the water below. The charity says the problem has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, with as many as 24 people accessing the roof around high tide and causing damage as they climb up and down the building. Footage of the dangerous jumps has also been shared on social media with the caption: “Got to keep the Tenby tradition going!” The trust, which provides specialist holiday accommodation for families caring for children with disabilities, complex medical needs and life-limiting conditions, fears somebody could be seriously injured or killed. 'Extremely serious danger to life' Senior Administrator, Carol Lincoln, said: “The activity presents an extremely serious danger to life - both to the young people jumping from the roof, and to fishing and other boats which may unfortunately be in the water below them.” She added: “The situation has now escalated significantly. This last month, as many as 24 young people on every high tide have been on our roof, jumping from the adjacent property into the sea and, in the process, causing continued and deliberate damage to the fabric of the building. “We are now also experiencing youths hammering on our doors and windows as they climb onto and descend from the roof. This is understandably terrifying for the vulnerable families staying inside the property.” The charity has repeatedly tried to make the building harder to access, including using anti-climb paint and fitting plastic spikes across the roof and three access points and thousands of pounds has also reportedly been spent repairing damage. Acts of criminal damage The charity said families staying at the property had contacted police about the youngsters but were told on some occasions that officers would not attend. When officers did visit, she said the charity was advised to remove bins which had been used to help people climb onto the roof. But this did not deter the children from acessing the roof. Carol said: “Instead, the youths simply stole fuel bins from the harbour and used those instead. We have followed the advice given to us and have taken every reasonable step within our means to prevent access to the roof. “This has included installing anti-climb paint and rows of plastic anti-climb spikes across the whole roof and three access points. We have also spent thousands of pounds repairing damage to the roof. Despite this, the problem has continued and is now escalating. “The young people are deliberately smearing the anti-climb paint over our external walls and are progressively ripping the plastic spikes from the roof. This is causing serious and continuing damage to the fabric of the building.” The Trust says its biggest concern is the impact on families who use the accommodation for what can be a rare opportunity to enjoy a holiday together. She added: “Our visitors are not tourists coming to the town for entertainment. Most of our visiting families come from Wales, and some are local families. 'Charity is being let down' “They are parents and carers looking after children and young people who may have profound disabilities, complex medical needs or life-limiting conditions. Many families are only able to have a holiday because our properties provide the specialist equipment and facilities they require. “For many of them, this is an extremely precious opportunity to spend time together and create positive family memories in circumstances where ordinary holidays are simply not possible. Instead, they are increasingly finding themselves frightened and distressed by young people climbing onto the roof, banging on doors and windows and shouting as they gain access to and descend from the building. “This is completely unacceptable.” The charity has now called for stronger action from police, parents and council officials before the behaviour ends in tragedy. She said: "What was once an occasional problem has now developed into a significant and increasingly popular activity, with ever larger groups accessing our roof. “The greater the number of people jumping or even simply accessing our roof, the greater the possibility of a fatality. This risk is now very real. We therefore feel that this situation has moved far beyond an issue of occasional antisocial behaviour. “It is now a serious and escalating public safety issue involving criminal damage, deliberate trespass, risk to life and the welfare of vulnerable families staying within our properties. We cannot wait until somebody is seriously injured or killed before this is treated with the urgency it deserves.” County Councillor Michael Williams has backed the Trust and written to police calling for action saying their is a genuine fear that there could be a fatality. He said: “In my opinion at the very least criminal damage is being caused by these youths and they are they are trespassing with intent, and I would ask that you consider taking action on these specific activities. “This amazing charitable organisation provides a unique opportunity for families who often have to contend with some of the most distressing circumstances conceivable and they deserve the support of everyone concerned. “The Trust and their guests are being let down by the inability or unwillingness of organisations they should be able to rely on to effectively address these activities.”