Anger as community garden vandalised a second time

The vandalism has left volunteers devastated

A much-loved community garden has been targeted by vandals for a second time in two weeks.

The Eco Therapy Garden in Kirkby, Merseyside, was completely destroyed after being broken into on 4 November and its children's toys were stolen and set on fire.

Ten days later the gardens had been raided again, causing damage costing thousands, leading to the cancellation of an event aimed at toddlers.

Merseyside Police was investigating the vandalism which volunteers said had left them "devastated" and the charity said it was reducing its opening times to just one day a week.

The garden, in Tower Hill, has been serving the community since 2017 and is free-of-charge according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

According to representatives of the charity, doors were also ripped off sheds and the greenhouse was smashed up, resulting in more than £10,000 worth of damage.

Tables were left broken up and overturned

Manager Martin Drury said a lot of the visitors and volunteers were people facing social isolation or mental health issues.

Many come to have a cup of tea, enjoy the green spaces and participate in the centre's educational courses, ranging from growing vegetables, counselling classes and awareness around sustainable living.

Hr Drury said: "We're talking about greenhouses absolutely smashed. Polytunnels ripped. The front of the shed absolutely ripped off and destroyed. Our table tennis was turned over.

"The children's toys in the century area destroyed and burnt. Multiple, multiple areas of the garden vandalised.

"Unfortunately, our volunteers are now having to clean up what's left. This is going to be a tough act to come back from, but I'm sure we will."

He added: "We would like to thank all the community for their ongoing support, messages and donations, it has meant so much to us."

Knowsley Council leader Graham Morgan said: "This latest act of vandalism is completely unbelievable and devastating and I am furious that the good work of the volunteers has once again been damaged.

"We will support the team at the garden, working alongside the police, to identify those responsible."

Merseyside Police said it was investigating.