A CHURCH community has been left fearing what's to come after suffering a spate of anti-social behaviour. 

Rivertown Church, on Chester Road West in Shotton, has been blighted by recent instances of vandalism - including dog excrement, super glue and eggs smeared on the building. 

Police are investigating the matter, and are looking to identify those causing the "distressing" damage. 

Rivertown Church elder, Chris Bryne, said: "It's all been happening over the last couple of weeks. They have been super gluing the locks on the doors and the key safe box.

The Leader:

"As result we've had to replace two of locks on the back door. We also need to replace the front door lock which no longer opens after being glued.

"This has cost about £1,000, and because of the issues we've installed CCTV at the front and back of the church - again to the cost of thousands of pounds.

"We've also had super glue daubed over the windows, and chairs inside slashed with a blade - as well as eggs smeared on the door and dog muck."

The Leader: Chairs have been slashed inside the church.Chairs have been slashed inside the church. (Image: User generated content)

As well as the church services, Rivertown also acts as a community hub - hosting a range of groups and services. These include Citizens Advice, a refugee support group, Warm Wales and free lunch groups. 

Mr Byrne said: "We get around 100 people through the door in the week using these services, including about 25 who come for the free lunches. We also run free coffee mornings. These are vital for people suffering from the effects of the cost of living crisis, loneliness, homelessness and addiction. 

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"If these recent issues persist, and escalate, they are going to severely impact on these services. If we keep having to fork out to replace damaged items, we will have to raise the hire cost of the room.

"It's so upsetting as all we're trying to do is open our doors to the community. We're all fearful of what could come next."

North Wales Police said: "This has been very distressing to the volunteers and their attendees. Rivertown Church is an essential and an important hub in the heart of Shotton.

"It offers a safe space and offers important services and activities for many members of the community and welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds.

"If you have any information as to who is involved please could you contact 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."