VANDALS have targeted a horticultural project for adults with learning difficulties -- destroying a £700 polythene tunnel greenhouse.

But the project and its clients are determined to fight back -- environmentally.

Horticultural project manager Stuart Collinge said: "We are going to plant a thick prickly hedge!"

Whinberry Woods Horticultural Project has been going for about six years during which time it has transformed a former allotment site off Corporation Street, Rawtenstall, into a valuable amenity both for the clients of the project and the neighbouring residents.

Stuart said the poly-tunnel, which measures 30ft by 20ft by 10ft has been damaged previously but the tears and slashes were small enough to be repaired.

This time the damage is too great and the polythene skin will have to be replaced. But because it can only be fitted in warmer weather the clients will not be able to use the facility during winter.

He said: "We put the skin on about 18 months ago and it is supposed to last five years. I had patched up the little bits of damage that have been done, but this time they have cut through chain fencing and slashed it to pieces. They have gained nothing from their actions.

"They also smashed a litter bin which the clients had made to try to encourage people to keep the area clean. One of the chaps was gutted when he saw what they had done. They just can't weigh it up."

The project works with people from Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale who have learning disabilities.

The two-and-a-half acre site features a tree nursery, vegetable allotment, willow sculpture, grassed areas, garden, barbecue area and seating. The group is in the process of building a herb and sensory garden.

It caters for 27 people a week with eight clients in a morning and eight in an afternoon. It is funded by Burnley Health Care Trust and some clients who attend privately pay a contribution.

Stuart said: "They find it very therapeutic to work on the project and it has helped some clients back into work.

"I have only been here for two years, but the project has been cited by social services several times and held up as a model project and an example of good practice."