From 21st to 28th June 2006 Grimesthorpe allotments were subjected to an avalanche of vandalism.
Numerous sheds were broken into, some set fire to and greenhouses smashed. I watched as a plot holder of twenty years kicked through the smoldering remains of his greenhouse and surveyed his scorched vegetable crops. He’d been growing a vine in his greenhouse for fifteen years.
You can rebuild a shed or greenhouse, but you can’t put that back. The GreenFingers plots where I work had also been hit. The arson attack on our shed was put out by the fire brigade before it could do too much damage. A big ‘thank you’ to whoever rang them that morning.
The GreenFingers plots are a sanctuary for the people with mental health problems who garden there – a place where they can take a bit of time and space for themselves, forget their troubles and enjoy a little bit of country in the city. I think that feeling is shared by all the allotment gardeners. It’s heartbreaking to see people sifting through the ashes and broken glass. This pointless destruction is a violation of that sanctuary.
The police have promised to patrol the area. If you witness anyone vandalising the allotments, you can call 999 or to report damage, call the new police number: 101.
by Helen Warburton