The refurbishment of the Galliagh parish centre in County L'Derry has suffered a major setback after vandals damaged the building over the weekend.

A number of incidents were reported of people gaining access to the building, causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Around £300,000 is being invested in the centre to redevelop it as a hub for helping people who suffer from addiction and homelessness.

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Local SDLP councillor Brian Tierney has hit out at the perpetrators for putting the project in jeopardy.

He said: "Currently the centre is a building site and anyone entering it is putting themselves in serious risk.

"Once this project is complete I believe it will be a huge asset to this community and those behind these deliberate acts of vandalism are only putting the future of this much needed facility at risk.

"I would appeal to everyone within the area who may have seen someone within the site to contact police."

(CM)