Peebles community garden takes action after weeks of damage

But now the group which runs the garden has taken action.

In recent weeks the garden has had children’s toys damaged, plants ripped from their planters, tyre seats have been damaged and a gate broken.

In the past, it has also seen its polytunnels vandalised.

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Nichole Dow, Peebles CAN community garden co-ordinator, said: “The damage has been an ongoing issue for the summer, but it’s escalated over the last few weeks.

“Myself and a colleague are coming down in the evenings now. We’re having produce damaged or taken on a daily basis.

“We upcycled some tyres into seats and they’re all damaged, we’re a family-friendly space and all the children’s toys are smashed up, the swing is unusable.

“It’s just a shame.”

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The community garden has previously run sessions with local youngsters, including the chance to pick their own fruit and enjoy the garden space.

In response to the damage in the garden, Nichole and Peebles CAN community engagement officer Heather Mackay said on social media that steps would be taken to combat the anti-social behaviour.

The Peebles CAN Community Garden is a thriving community space

As well as involving the police and asking members of the community to remain vigilant, Nichole told us that Peebles CAN has also considered other preventative measures.

“We have got the police involved,” she said.

“We can’t be as open as we have been.”

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A social media post shared to the Peebles CAN Facebook page on August 13 also stated that groups of young people will no longer be welcome in the garden and that they will be welcomed back to the space once the vandalism stops.

Nichole added: “A police presence is needed at this point.

“Myself and Heather, it’s not our jobs to be youth workers. We’re monitoring young people’s behaviour and it’s taking away from what we’re trying to deliver in the garden.

“We’ve had to offer a lot of reassurance to our volunteers.

“We work with older people and children and families, and we’re having to do thorough checks for glass to make sure the garden’s safe.

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“We have to be diligent, especially if kids are coming in and causing havoc.

“We’re looking into CCTV. It’s not something we wanted but if it’s needed to deter vandals for future projects we’ll do it.”

The garden, which can be found behind the Victoria Park Centre on Kingsmeadows Road, is a community space for members of the community to come together to grow community crops and is a space for skill sharing between volunteers.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police were called around 10.30am on Wednesday, August 11 following a report of vandalism to a community garden on Kingsmeadows Road, Peebles.

“Officers attended and there was no trace of any individuals on arrival. Suitable advice was given and enquiries are ongoing. If you have seen anything at the community garden or have any information, you can contact the police on 101 referencing the incident number 0839.”