SOMERSET NEWS: Christmas vandals come forward

VANDALS who damaged a festive display at a historic hotel in Somerset have come forward and apologised for their actions.

It was on Sunday (December 18, 2016) when the management at the Swan Hotel in Wells said that vandals had cause damage to its wintery scene including life-size reindeer which were smashed up.

The hotel management had called the culprits “mindless idiots” and said that “it’s incredible to think that people can take pleasure in smashing up a display that benefits the whole community.”

They appealed for the vandals to hold their hands up and make themselves known within 24 hours – rather than report the matter to the police with CCTV evidence of the vandalism.

And it was on Tuesday (December 20, 2016) morning that the hotel’s general Mark Tobin said: “We are pleased to report that the persons responsible have made themselves known to us.

“We will keep you updated throughout the week on the progress of the reindeer. We will now do all we can to reinstate the display – hopefully in time for Christmas.

“Thank you for all your kind words of support.”

The festive display has been enjoyed by thousands of people at the Swan Hotel which is a 15th century coaching inn located opposite Wells Cathedral.

PHOTO - TOP: The wintery scene at the Swan Hotel before the vandalism.