Volunteers furious after vandalism at community garden in Largs

A heavy ladder was lobbed on top of the former toilet block at Barrfields at some point between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, while potatoes which were being grown in the garden were pulled out of the ground.

The ruined potatoes were being grown to assist with Largs Food Hub, and access to food group projects in the town to assist people with the Cost of Living crisis.

The former toilet block has been converted into a pleasant community space alongside the food growing area of the garden.

Volunteer Wendy Low Thomson was livid after the incident, and said: "I was so disappointed that someone thought it was acceptable to vandalise our wee community garden at Barrfields.

"Throwing the potatoes all over the place we had kept by for the food projects is totally unacceptable behaviour.

"This ladder is really heavy and someone most definitely is missing this but we don't know who. Perhaps Largs and Millport News readers can help here.

"We had hoped we wouldn’t need to put up CCTV but it looks like we will have to now.

Wendy Low Thomson was appalled at vandalism incidents at Largs community garden (Image: Newsquest)

"Why can’t people just respect stuff?"

Mrs Thomson has asked at the luxury housing construction project at the former Queen's Hotel along the seafront if they have any ladders missing but they said it wasn't theirs.

She said: "It is a real mystery how such a heavy set of ladders were moved there and thrown on top of the former toilet block and why would someone do something like that anyway.

"How the hell would people walk along with a giant ladder and not be seen? It is massive. 

"The annoying thing about the potatoes was that they were going to various food projects in the town including the new community larder.

"Volunteers are very upset by what happened and we all think it is very senseless and we just hope that someone saw something and has perhaps reported it.

"What is the point in doing this when people are working hard to provide a pleasant community space and looking out to help others. It is needless."

The fresh produce area is being grown at the Vikingar! side of Barrfields Stadium where a community garden has been set up this summer.

Green fingered U.S enthusaists in Largs in May (Image: Largs Greens Future)

It includes an inside growing space, which was built by American visitors from The Midland Valley Community Church of the Nazarene in South Carolina, when they visited Largs earlier this summer as guests of the Largs Church of The Nazarene.

Mrs Thomson told the News that she would be reporting the matter to the police.

If you saw anything suspicious, contact the police on 101 or go to the Contact Us section of the Police Scotland website.

Sergeant Donald Fisher of Largs Police said: "Regarding the vandalism to the rear of Barrfields, it has been reported to ourselves and relevant enquiry is being made into it with Largs officers made aware for their attention when out on patrol."