WALCOT’S community library is considering closing its doors for good after receiving one football too many through it’s front windows.

Peter Mallinson, chairman of the Walcot Charity Shop and Community Library in Sussex Square, is considering closing the popular community hub after youths once again kicked a football through the window of the shop, terrifying customers and staff.

The incident happened on Thursday afternoon shortly after 4pm when a youth, thought to be 15-years-old, with short dark hair and wearing jogging bottoms, kicked the football at the window, shattering the glass and breaking several items on sale in the shop.

“It was like a small bomb had gone off, the force was that strong,” said Peter, whose voluntary staff members have been left terrified and unwilling to work for fear of their own safety.

“We’ve had to throw out between £400 and £500 worth of baby clothes because they have been covered in shards of glass. Shards of glass flew right across to the other side of the room, and knocked off the pottery on the shelf below.

“Fortunately we were close to closing up at that time because I hate to think what it might have done if there were still customers in. The glass would have torn straight through their face.”

While police are continuing to investigate the incident and are in the process of examining CCTV footage, Peter is considering closing the shop for good unless he is able to get assurances from the police and Swindon Council as to his volunteers’ safety.

He said: “As chairman of the charity and the shop I have a duty of care to the volunteers and to their safety.

“It isn’t the first time it’s happened either. They are terrified and don’t like to be here on their own.”

The shop will continue to open during its normal opening hours until a meeting is held on Tuesday to decide its future in Sussex Square.

Inspector Charlie Ducker, for the North and East sectors, who has recently taken on responsibility for the area, said that the local authority, the community and the police had to work in partnership with each other to tackle the ongoing issue of anti social behaviour in the area.

He said: “I need to take stock of where we are before ensuring we continue to tackle these issues.

“It is important that we work with the local authority and the community, including those thought to be causing the issues, to explore the options available and reach a solution.”

The most recent vandalism is just the latest in a string of anti social behaviour issues in Sussex Square predominantly caused by large groups of youths who visit the area.

In July, a dispersal order on the square gave police powers to move along groups of two or more people who are suspected of causing anti-social behaviour.

It initially served as a deterrent for the youngsters, but residents and businesses on the square have noticed a significant increase in anti-social behaviour in recent months in the area.