Nature reserve is hit by vandalism attack
VANDALS have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the Wander Garden Nature Reserve in Shepshed.
The damage was discovered on Sunday, September 1, at the nature reserve off Blacksmiths Avenue, where a picnic table and bench have been burnt to the ground, part of the debris thrown into the ponds and a large section of path has been damaged by the blaze.
Now the town council has to decide what to do at the beauty spot and is facing a hefty bill to rectify the damage caused.
County councillor Christine Radford had purchased the bench and table for the nature reserve to mark the end of her second term in office and said she was at a loss to understand such “wanton vandalism.”
“When the nature reserve opened in 2014, we did have a lot of vandalism but over the years things had improved and the area is well used, especially by groups of pre-school children.
“The bench and table could seat about 12 children and now the council is going to have to decide what to do about replacing the damaged items. It is just wanton vandalism and so frustrating that the minority ruin things for everyone.
“The bill is likely be in the region of £1,500 but could be higher - we have to wait for a report from the reserve manager to assess what other damage might have been done to the pond and surrounding area.
“At what point do we say enough is enough and stop footing the bill? I would ask the community to keep an eye on the reserve and if they see anything amiss to let the police know.”
A polce spokesman said: “This destruction of property is disgraceful. We will pursue all lines of enquiry to identify and prosecute those involved.”