Wigan community group 'overwhelmed' by support after yobs trash garden

Vandals went on an appalling wrecking spree in the garden, damaging pom-poms put up to thank NHS staff and key workers, ripping tree branches off, knocking over fences and leaving litter and books from the little library strewn all around the site.

However, kind-hearted volunteers have joined members of the Friends group in the garden to spend hours clearing the wreckage and returning the space to an inviting green area for the public to enjoy.

A spokesperson for the Friends group wrote on Facebook: “We are so relieved that our faith in human nature has been restored, mainly due to the massive public response to the news of the vandalism which occurred in the garden.

“After hours of work the Cherries Community Garden has now been cleared of all debris, tidied up, the grass has been freshly mowed, the picnic bench moved away from the pub side of the garden, and the little library cleaned and tidied.

“However, there is not a lot that can be done to restore the damaged plants or saplings, but hopefully they will recover in time.

“Thank you so much for all your lovely messages of support and offers of help, we really do have a lovely community.”

The post said one older lady had heard about the wrecking spree and came from Standish just to help with the clear-up.

The volunteer group has also received offers to make new pom-poms to replace the trashed ones, while art work and craft pieces have also been donated to put in the green space.

The Friends group said it has also received offers of help from the Cherry Gardens pub next door and it is hoped the volunteers and the business will work closely together in the future.

Wigan Central ward representative Coun Lol Hunt condemned the vandalism and urged anyone with information about it to contact Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on 101.