Police launch appeal after vandals target community garden in Stranraer
It's hoped the much loved space will be able to bounce back
Last updated 26th Oct 2023
A much loved community garden in Stranraer has been vandalised, sparking a Police appeal for information.
‘The Unexpected Garden’ was first launched in 2022, with the support of Stranraer Development Trust and The Stove Network in Dumfries, and has cemented itself as a popular space with locals and schools.
But, sometime between Sunday the 22nd and Monday the 23rd of October, serious damage was reported.
It’s understood a play house which was donated by a local family has been targeted, potentially beyond repair.
Work is underway to restore the space
Nikki-Marie Vjatschslav runs the garden. She says she’s determined to make sure this is just a minor setback, and that the garden can be restored to a fully functioning state as soon as possible:
“Basically the shed was broken into and there was mess around, but the most upsetting part was the play house – we were donated a play house by a local family who had outgrown it, and they donated it because they spend a lot of time in the garden.
“That has now been completely caved in at the top and quite damaged at the front – and that may not be able to be repaired.”
“We don’t tend to have vandalism at the garden, so I was actually quite surprised for it to happen, and to happen in the way that it did.
“We’re not dismayed going forward, it is a blip. It happened, but there’s no reason why we can’t go forward with everything that we’re doing and keep it open for everyone in the future.”
In a statement, Police said:
“Between 22nd and 23rd October 2023, significant damage was caused to The Unexpected Garden in Stranraer.
“As a well-used community garden in the town; this damage will have a significant impact on those who use the gardens.
“We are appealing for any member of the public who may have information regarding this to call 101 quoting incident number 3169 of 23 October 2023.”