Shattered by vandals

Keen gardener Doug Barnes, 81, of Anne Street, York, said more than ten huts had been burned to the ground at Scarcroft Road allotments over the Christmas period.

His greenhouse has also been smashed "on a daily basis", costing him hundreds of pounds.

"It's very distressing," said Mr Barnes, who has been tending flowers and vegetables on his plot for nearly 20 years.

"Many of those who've had their sheds burned down have just packed in, which is a tragedy.

"The allotment brings a lot of enjoyment, particularly to elderly people.

"My property is being constantly damaged; it's so demoralising.

"The council and police are clearly not doing enough to protect the place. Gardeners are dropping like flies."

Scarcroft Road allotments have been a regular target for vandalism over recent years.

The Evening Press reported that 84-year-old Frank Newton gave up his plot after more than 40 years when vandals shattered his greenhouse four times in only five days.

Sergeant Nigel Totty, of York Police, said: "We're aware of the problems going on at the allotments and are working with the council to reduce the amount of crime.

"It's an issue that requires a number of people to be involved."

Leading York firefighter Mike Wilson said: "Responding to deliberate shed fires takes up valuable time.

"We may be required at more serious incidents."

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "It is certainly not true to say we are doing nothing.

"We are very concerned about the recent spate of damage and are exploring ways of making the site more secure.

"We are currently working with the police towards this aim, although there is a public path running through this particular allotment site.

"In the meantime, we appeal to allotment holders, and everyone else in the area, to be vigilant. If anyone has any information on the culprits, they should contact the police."

Updated: 15:17 Monday, January 07, 2002