Vandal-hit allotment given a cash boost

Councillors have stepped in to help volunteers at a local allotment that was badly vandalised last year.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Mar 2016, 14:00 BST
Jack Vincent, Chair of Standsih Alltoments (left) with Councillors George Fairhurst and Councillor Debbie Fairhurst, who helped raise the moneyJack Vincent, Chair of Standsih Alltoments (left) with Councillors George Fairhurst and Councillor Debbie Fairhurst, who helped raise the money
Jack Vincent, Chair of Standsih Alltoments (left) with Councillors George Fairhurst and Councillor Debbie Fairhurst, who helped raise the money

The area next to Standish St Marie’s church was trashed by thugs last October leaving a tidy-up and repair bill running into thousands of pounds.

Breaking in, they tore up plants and slashed the cover of a greenhouse. Gardeners arriving the following morning found vegetables had been ripped from their plots, a special greenhouse canopy had been slashed with a knife and gardening tools had been tossed over the hedge and onto the farmer’s field behind.

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The damage to the greenhouse, which was covered by special material, was expected to cost up to £2,000 alone.

But now local councillors George and Debbie Fairhurst have stepped in and put forward Brighter Borough funding to help restore the site to its former glory.

They helped pay for a new Poly Tunnel cover which needed replacing after the vandals struck,

Jack Vincent, chairman of Standish Community Allotments, said: “Without the support of our local councillors it would have been very difficult to finance this project on our own as the total cost was in excess of £2,000.”

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“We would like to thank the council and local councillors for there continued support over the past years.”

Coun George Fairhurst said: “What happened to the allotments was absolutely disgraceful.

“I was so angry when I heard.

“I’m delighted me and Debbie can help in this way. The volunteers do a fantastic job.”

Also showing the newly completed raised bed area in the community garden, some of which would be available to rent from this year, and these are suitable for starter plots or disabled people.