An East Kilbride church plagued by malicious vandalism has been targeted once again - and this time it had the potential to hit the most vulnerable in our community.
Vandals ripped out telephone wires on the roof of South Parish Church yesterday, putting a Christmas lunch for 41 food bank users in jepoardy.
The Murray parish is a distribution centre for East Kilbride Community Food Bank on Thursdays from 11-1pm which is organised through an online booking system.
Church minister Rev Terry Taylor told the News the loss of a phone line could have spelled disaster for the church if they couldn't get access to the online system.
But, thanks to the efforts of their dedicated team of volunteers they were able to sort alternative access.
Mrs Taylor said: "This is the third time our phone line has been cut. We were having a Christmas party for folk who use the food bank so this really could have been a disaster for us.
"Even if these mindless vandals have something against the church, do they not realise their actions are affecting the most vulnerable in our community?
"It's just so inconvenient. The mindlessness of it makes me so angry because it is affecting the work the church are doing in the community.
"I'm grateful to the church volunteers who kept their spirits up. They worked to make it work and we didn't let it spoil a lovely day - but it had the potential to make things really difficult for us."
The News told in June how South Parish Church had to foot a repair bill for more than £2000 after having their windows smashed up to four times a week by vandals.
Schoolboy culprits were caught red-handed on CCTV several times lobbing stones at the church.
Devastated session clerk Archie Gardner feared that the church sanctuary may have to be closed because the damage was so extensive.
Police confirmed at around 1.50pm on December 19 the Church of Scotland, South Parish at Baird Hill was allegedly vandalised by two teenage males who damaged the roof and ripped out telephone wires.
Anyone with information is urged to contact on 101.
