Spate of vandalism at plots in West Bowling (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Spate of vandalism at plots in West Bowling

4:27pm Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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Allotment-holders are having to fork out hundreds of pounds to pay for damage caused by thieves and vandals.

Robert Dunlop, 70, said there had been a series of incidents at the allotments in Avenue Road, West Bowling, since February, by people who were “spoiling it for everyone”.

Mr Dunlop said: “One old man had the roof of his garage pinched.

“Our friend had a spade and a fork stolen. At the allotment opposite mine, the man’s shed was broken into.

“I’ve had a lot of tools taken, a drill, spanners, screwdrivers, a radio, a small cooker I used to make cups of tea on, secateurs, and now the door of my shed has been broken into.

“It looks like its an ongoing thing. It’s been happening over the last three weeks.

“I can’t afford it, I’m a pensioner. We think they are selling our tools. It is ruining it for everyone.”

Plot-holders have now received letters from Bradford Council saying funding has been secured to replace wooden fences with metal security fencing. Work will start at the end of summer.

Acting principal property services officer at Bradford Council Belinda Gaynor said: “The Council is arranging for fencing works to be carried out at Avenue Road as part of a wider programme of improvements to allotment sites across the district.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said officers had visited the allotments and given crime prevention advice to tenants.

Neighbourhood policing officers were also keeping an eye on the plots during their patrols, the spokesman said.

e-mail: tanya.orourke@telegraphandargus.co.uk