Vandals cause over £100,000 of damage at Kilbarchan quarry

Buildings and machinery have been targeted at the site in Kilbarchan over the summer, with the cost of the damage believed to have now exceeded £100,000.

Staff at Deans Developments (Kilbarchan) Limited, who recently moved to the site to manage the infilling of the now disused quarry, said the vandalism had taken place over a period of three weeks.

A deliberate fire caused extensive damage to walls and floors of the company's offices, as well as destroying a fire alarm zone system. 

All of the office windows were smashed, with the glass in two excavators and a loading shovel also having to be replaced.

There was also internal damage found to plastic trims and valuable machinery.

Councillor Gillian Graham, who represents the area, recently visited the quarry along with Fiona Stewart and Helen Kissell, of Kilbarchan Community Council, to meet with representatives from Deans and see the damage.

The Labour woman told The Gazette: "The mindless vandalism involved is appalling and will cost tens of thousands to repair. 

"Every pane of glass in the offices was broken and expensive machinery smashed to pieces. Most concerning is that, during their last visit, the vandals deliberately set fire to the offices, causing significant damage.

"Deans have told me that those involved have been caught on CCTV, including audio recordings of their voices, so this will hopefully help identify those involved. The police have also advised me that investigations are ongoing."

Karl McMaster, quarry manager at Deans Civil Engineering, said: "We have had to bring in additional security to protect the site and dissuade further vandalism. 

"This will involve further expense, in addition to replacing smashed machinery, all due to the mindless behaviour of a handful of teenagers."

Councillor Graham added: "I have serious concerns about young people entering the quarry site for any reason.

"I know that, during the summer holidays, young people are tempted to swim in quarries and canals. However, the water in the quarry is over 20 metres deep, bitterly cold and presents a lethal threat to those tempted to enter it. 

"Tragically, too many young people in our area have died from drowning in open water over recent years. We must tell our young people of the danger of quarries and to not enter for any reason."

Local Community Policing Sergeant Johnathan Mullan said: "Recently we've received a number of reports of vandalism and a wilful fire at the former Kilbarchan Quarry site near Branscroft. ​

"Officers are following a positive line of enquiry as we continue to investigate the incidents. 

"I would like to reinforce safety messaging around entering the site unauthorised. No one should be accessing the area without permission as it could be dangerous."