A MUCH-LOVED village cafe has been targeted by vandals - for a second time within days.
The coffee shop at T & Cakes in North Nibley near Wotton is the village’s former post office and is now a well-used community hub.
The front of the shop, which is on Barrs Lane, was attacked on Friday morning (November 11) at approximately 4.30am where its windows and doors were smashed by vandals.
However, the business was targeted again over the weekend, with more blows to its windows and black graffiti sprayed.
Tarragon Newcombe, who has been a tenant at the shop for three years, said she was ‘absolutely gutted’ after the first attack on Friday.
She said: “It’s awful, it’s just mindless vandalism.
“I am shocked and absolutely gutted, I cannot believe something like this has happened.
“Nothing was stolen. They didn’t get in, they just damaged the shop front.
“The flat tenant downstairs heard the banging on Friday morning but the person had already run away.
“Windows can be replaced and no one was hurt but nevertheless it’s very upsetting.
“It’s frightening that someone would do something like this."
Tarragon said in another statement on Sunday morning: “Here we go again. More blows to the windows and graffiti. The notice board has been smashed too.
“We will find who is doing this, thank you again for all the love and support.
Residents reacting online have been appalled by the incidents.
One comment on Facebook said: “So sorry to see this. Hope you find the culprits.”
Another comment said: "This is appalling and I hope they catch up with the culprits. So sorry to hear this Tarragon.”
Another said: “I’m so sorry this has happened Tarragon.
“You have done so much for our community.
"We appreciate you and all your hard work so much - you really have brought the heart to our village.”
In a statement on Twitter, Stroud Police said: "The community store and cafe in North Nibley has been attacked on each of the last two nights.
“We're appealing for anyone with information to contact us.”
PSCO Hazel Pearson from Wotton Neighbourhood Policing team said the incident was very 'disappointing'.
She said: “This is a well-used and well-loved community hub and shop which is important to the community.
"I am, as I am sure you are, very disappointed that a crime like this has occurred.
“Please check your ring doorbells and CCTV in North Nibley even if you don't cover the shop or that road as it may assist us.”
Despite the incident, the shop's hours have not been affected.
The cafe was open on Friday and the weekend and is still open this week.
You can contact Tarragon and the team at T & Cakes on their website - www.tandcakes.org
For advice on keeping your property safe, you can find plenty of crime prevention advice on the police's website here.
If you have any further information about Friday’s incident, you can contact police quoting incident 67 November 11 here.
Becky Lamb, the new Neighbourhood Watch Officer for Stroud and the Cotswolds, will be hosting a crime prevention drop-in session at Dursley library next Monday (November 28) from 10am to 12pm.
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