Villagers have been greatly saddened by an arson attack on the village allotments during Saturday night and are now disturbed that unwelcome visits have continued this week. Two allotment plot holders arrived early on Sunday morning and saw the old shed (often used to shelter from the rain or have a rest) had been set on fire. They managed to put out the fire with buckets of water but it took ages to douse the smouldering timbers. The contents, including a long bench, chair and even the First Aid tin box had been set alight at some time during the night. The floor at the back and part of the structure had burnt through but fortunately the back wall (which is right next to the electricity station) held. There could have been a very serious situation if the fire had spread. It is also suspected that storage boxes on allotments were also tipped and emptied out by the same thoughtless vandals. Western Power and the Police had to be informed, of course and given all the details. It’s so sad to see such a valued village asset damaged in this way – and worrying that 3 teenagers were seen in the daytime (Monday lunchtime) and late night Tuesday having a picnic and leaving all the meal deal packaging behind. They also broke bamboo canes just for the fun of it and even threw broken grass onto a well kept plot next to the shed. If only the young people realized how much the allotments mean to the plotholders and how hard they work to keep them tidy and get crops to grow well. A space which seemed safe and peaceful now seems threatening. We ask everyone to be vigilant in watching out for any antisocial behaviour which destroys village property.
