Homebase makes generous donation after burglary at social club allotments

Carr Lane Club in Shipley, formerly known as Windhill Conservative Club, was broken into at the end of April where more than £1,000 of gardening equipment belonging to the club is thought to have been taken.

Members of the club, including 72-year-old groundsman, Malcolm Ford were left shocked and were ‘physically shaking’ after hearing about the attack.

Groundsman, Malcolm Ford after the burglary took place

At the time, Malcolm said: “About £1,200 of gear is missing, we’ve got some of it back but I’m still out of pocket.

“I don’t know how people have the audacity to break into somebody’s property with the intention of stealing what they’ve stolen. It’s the important gear we need to keep the club looking nice.”

But, after hearing about the break-in, Homebase, at Five Lane Ends, Idle, wanted to help out, and has donated more than £150 worth of equipment to help make up for the losses.

Susan Harrison, community engagement officer at Homebase said: “We’ve donated two batteries and a battery-operated grass trimmer and a battery-operated blower vac. 

“We do a lot for charity and give a lot of donations for local schools and things like that and I saw that the equipment had been stolen so I just told them to get in contact and we could donate some stuff for them.”

In response, Malcolm said he is so grateful, and it has made him regain faith in humanity after the burglary.

"It's so nice to know there's positive people in our community after the burglary happened.

"They must deal with theft and things to being a big shop like that so to know they are still willing to help out smaller places is really nice and positive."