“SHORT sighted and selfish” thieves have been berated for stealing wood from the site of a new community centre.

Dean Court Community Association vice chairman Priscilla Waugh described as “pathetic” the removal of planks which were going to be used as planters.

Work began last month to transform the fire- gutted former Dean Court Social Club in Pinnocks Way, which was destroyed by arsonists in February 2011.

It was hoped the planters would provide a link between the old centre and the new development.

Ms Waugh said: “It is heartbreaking.

“It would have been a fabulous link to re-use what we could from the old building, a symbolic bringing together of the two parts.”

Police are investigating the theft from the fenced-off site last weekend.

Thirteen of the 14 timbers were taken.

Ms Waugh said: “They are short sighted and very selfish. I cannot imagine why someone would want to do something like that. It is pathetic.”

Volunteers are committed to buying the planters – expected to cost hundreds – but this will have to be given back, she said.

“We can’t afford to take any money from the building to put it towards stuff like that,” she added.

Association chairman Anna Pearson said: “We are really disappointed that someone wanted to steal from a community resource.

“We wanted to recognise what it gave to the community. It is a real shame.”

The social club closed in May 2010 and was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

Insurance money has covered most of the £430,000 rebuild cost and community fundraising contributed £35,000.

The centre – a joint project with owner Vale of White Horse District Council – is expected to re-open in October for the whole community, including organisations such as toddler groups.

Oxfordshire County Council’s “Big Society” fund has also contributed £15,600 to the centre, which will include a hall, four rooms, kitchen and bar.

Follow the progress blog at http://dean courtcc.org.uk/

Spokesman James Williams said: “We desire a presence in Botley.

“The owner of Dean Court offered the force a presence there, but the basis upon which that would be provided and the costs involved are yet to be clarified.”