Community farm concerned at escalating vandalism

Louisa Foti described the damage as "depressing, mindless and worthless"

A community farm has said it has concerns recent vandalism carried out on its gardens "could escalate".

Volunteers at Southside Farm in Belmont, Herefordshire, which is run by Growing Local, say "youths" caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to their garden polytunnels over the weekend.

Director of Growing Local Louisa Foti said: "We're going to have a go at patching it up for now but it's just really sad.

"It's not achieving anything. It's just totally depressing, mindless and worthless."

Ms Foti said the community farm had started from "literally an empty field" two years ago, but had grown to accommodate visiting schools and community groups.

Discussing the damage, she said: "They've found things from around our site like bricks and sticks, and they've used their feet to kick it.

"It's the most amount of damage we've ever had in a single night, it's really devastating.

"If we had to replace the whole plastic, which we possibly do, it's going to be at least £2,000 to £3,000."

Ms Foti said the damage could cost them up to £3,000 to replace

Head grower Laurie Donaldson said the latest vandalism had not been "an isolated event".

He said: "Things like this have been going on for several months and it's just a bit distressing coming in, thinking, 'Oh, what's happened this time?'

"This is also the main sheath, so it's more expensive to repair than the windows. Essentially, they've damaged the whole thing."

Mr Donaldson added: "This is a very tough and durable material so it would take a lot of force to puncture holes.

"There's no question, it's been done on purpose."

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said The Safer Neighbourhood Team were "aware of the criminal damage" and would be "conducting regular patrols in that area".

They added: "A Design Out Crime Officer has visited the premises and offered crime prevention advice."