VOLUNTEERS at a community garden in Largs have hit out at vandalism and "intimidating behaviour" by yobs at the site.

Police Scotland say they'll be stepping up patrols in the area of the Viking Garden at the town's railway station.

Members of the volunteer team at the garden spoke up after a special bench was pushed over at the site for a second time.

They say a mouthful of abuse was directed at a woman who tried to challenge the louts about their behaviour.

 

The beautifully carved bench was added to the garden last summer after funding was received from the Kelburn Wind Farm Trust.

The bench was created by Dunoon craftsman Andy Maclachlan.
(Image: Newsquest)

 

The bench was pushed over on the evening of Monday, July 15.

A Viking Garden spokesperson said: "It's very heavy and takes it out of us getting it upright again.

"We managed to get it back up again with teamwork, with a slew of wine bottles left about.

"The first time the young lads were challenged by a member of the public and received a whole lot of abuse. No wonder people are scared to intervene.

"The lady who challenged them to stop was told 'what are you going to do about it?'.

"We have asked ScotRail to turn their CCTV around to the Viking garden to capture evidence to prosecute. We want the townspeople to know about it.

"The bench weighs a ton and it took four of us to upright it, so that makes you think the force used to turn it over was significant.

"It is so upsetting that this is the second time it has happened."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Walking through the station past the gardens does, and will continue to, factor within our patrols when out on foot.  

"It's mindless and disrespectful to disturb and damage the gardens which are so well cared for and promote a positive image for Largs.

"It's equally mindless and disrespectful for youths to be abusive back when challenged about what is poor behaviour on their part."

The Viking Garden was created by volunteers in 2017 and features the bow of a Viking longship, similar to one which sat in front of the old Viking cinema in the town, which lasted until 1984.

Among the visitors to the garden over the years was TV presenter and former politician Michael Portillo, who looked round the attraction for an episode of his Great British Railway Journeys series, first broadcast in February 2019.