Garden is wrecked by group of heartless yobs
YOBS have trashed a community garden used by volunteers, children and people undergoing therapy.
The Eco Centre garden, located in Debdale Park, Gorton, has been damaged and vandalised several times since May.
In the latest incident thugs pulled up plants, smashed up a barbecue and ripped apart an outdoor seating area.
They also attempted to light a fire on top of a trashed table, which was left charred.
It is thought a group of youths who have been using the garden area over summer have been carrying out the vandalism.
In previous incidents apples have been picked from trees and thrown around and herbs planted my nursery school children have been wrecked.
The garden is run by a voluntary organisation and relies entirely on charitable funding. It is regularly maintained by a group of volunteers. Vulnerable, unemployed and people with mental health problems also attend workshops at the garden to help with recovery.
The incidents have been reported to police, who have confirmed they are investigating, but no arrests have yet been made.
Helen Dodd, Debdale Eco Centre manager, said: “It was quite shocking. Debris has been left everywhere.
“What is really upsetting is that it is wilful damage, people thinking ‘oh we will just wreck this.’
“It is quite shocking to see that sort of destruction. It is upsetting, the garden has been built by local people.”
She added: “The community garden is used by people you are unemployed and regular volunteers.
“It is disappointing for everybody, they put the plants in and they get ripped up.
“It is upsetting and soul destroying.
“Once it is wrecked it is wrecked. If you want it repaired we have to raise money to do it. People don’t think beyond their actions.”
Paul Kirkham, speaking on behalf of the Friends of Debdale Park, said: “We spent a lot of time in the park providing resources for people to come and for people with special needs two days a week.
“They do work gardening, trying to improve the site. One of the most disturbing things is we had two lovely apples trees.
“All of the apples have been pulled out and thrown about. Last week they burned all of the rubbish in the skip. The organisers are constantly having to repair it and fundraise for it.”