Fundraiser to help The Larder pay for new windows after vandals destroyed them

The Larder has closed and its windows boarded up

Larder staff have started a fundraiser to replace the windows of the shop after vandals smashed their shop windows during a night of trouble in the city centre.

Around 10pm on Wednesday 26 January, staff from the Preston cafe were messaged by police, who notified them that somebody had smashed their shop windows between 8 and 9pm.

Upon arrival, The Larder’s Aimee Johnson discovered that the vandals had broken all six panes, with two smashed and littering the shop floor with glass.

Every single window at The Larder on Lancaster Road, Preston, was targeted by vandals. Some were cracked, others were smashed right across the whole panel.

While the building is insured, and the extent of the damage means that a claim is very likely (rather than paying upfront to avoid escalating premiums) and the excess on the policy is £1,000.

Not only that, but there are many other costs involved that the insurance wont cover, or that payment will have to be made first and claimed back – something that when in this amount, the Larder can’t afford.

The Larder have had their windows boarded up and the building secured at an estimated cost of an extra £1,000.

The cafe cannot open as it is covered in glass, and clean up costs won’t be covered.

Preston City Council would not pay for security shutters for The Larder, so the cafe owners were having to consider whether that is something they wanted to invest in.

In a Facebook Live video at the scene, Aimee said: “Around 10pm, I got a message that the police had been around – someone has smashed the windows really badly.

“It’s like every window – the lovely, beautiful, big windows have been smashed – every massive pane of glass. Every pane is going to have to be replaced.

“Why? Are you that bored that you have to do that?”

Established in June 2015, The Larder is a social enterprise in Preston, promoting food that’s healthy, local, seasonal and low waste. They work through a cafe and catering business, food academy and network of Lancashire farmers and producers.

The Larder’s Food Champions programme trains people to deliver cookery sessions & healthy eating workshops to promote healthy and sustainable food to the public, build community food knowledge, skills and resources.

The course covers basic nutrition and cooking skills, supporting participants to encourage others to cook and eat better.

During the peak of the pandemic, the team provided over 300 nutritious cooked meals to those in need.

They also provided ingredient kits for 50 families to make cakes, and for over 250 households (1000+ people) to make Lancashire hotpots.

Those who donate £10 and over will be offered the chance to become a Friend of the Larder as a special thanks.

If you would like to donate, click here.

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea