Allotments targeted by 'mindless vandalism'

One allotment holder has been forced to replace 19 panes of glass in his greenhouse

Police are investigating after a spate of vandalism at a community allotment has left many people "losing the will" to garden there.

Greenhouses and shed windows have been repeatedly smashed at the site run by Karbon Homes in Hadston, Northumberland.

One allotment holder has had to replace 19 panes of glass in his greenhouse.

Northumberland councillor Scott Dickinson, who represents the area, said: "It's just totally mindless, they're just smashing the allotment up."

"There are more empty allotments now than occupied and it's just something we've never had in Hadston on any great scale before," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

There are now fewer allotments occupied than empty

Mr Dickinson also said Karbon needed to "play their part" in finding solutions.

Kelly Taylor, assistant director of housing at Karbon Homes, said: "We’re aware of the incidents of anti-social behaviour at the allotments at Hadston and it’s something we’re taking very seriously.

"The safety and wellbeing of our allotment tenants is a top priority for us, and we are in the process of arranging a community meeting with the tenants, ourselves, the police and other key community stakeholders, to discuss what can be done."

Northumbria Police says it has received a number of reports of criminal damage at allotments in the Hadston area

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "In recent months we have received a number of reports of criminal damage at allotments in the Hadston area of Morpeth.

"This has included vandalism and reports of greenhouses being smashed after stones were thrown at them.

"Our Neighbourhood Policing Team continue to engage with residents in the Hadston area and also regularly carry out high-visibility patrols to offer reassurance."