Community power has helped rescue a couple’s dream of opening a park cafe after it was almost destroyed by vandals.

Just after Christmas yobs smashed their way into the building in Rickman Hill recreation ground, Coulsdon, and caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

They stole all the tools, took all the scrap metal and the brand new fridge and taps, and destroyed months of hard work by Lara Burgess and her husband Stuart at the formerly derelict building.

It had been boarded up for years after the football club that used it as changing rooms moved out and Mr Burgess had spent hours every week doing up the premises while maintaining a full-time job.

After seeing the damage Mrs Burgess had decided to give up on the project and say to Croydon Council that she no longer wanted to lease the premises – until people living nearby came to their aid.

The mother-of-two said: “When we got broken into I sat there and sobbed and said, ‘I cannot do this any more’.

“My friends said, ‘You are mad if you carry on with this’, but so many people were saying we need this and we thought we need to open this place.

“The local residents have been so supportive.

“People have donated paint, furniture, cement, and one lady has even made us beautiful bunting to put up.

“The support has been driving us to finish and open this cafe so residents can come together and enjoy a cup of tea and piece of cake, and hopefully it will bring new life to a beautiful space that already has tennis courts and a play area.”

Security has been stepped up at the premises since the break-in and the cafe, which will be named Mother Kitty’s after the wooded area at the back of the property, will be opening in February.

Go to www.motherkittys.co.uk for more details.