RESIDENTS of a Darwen estate have hit out at the "mindless idiots" who vandalised a new community garden and play area.

Hooligans caused serious damage to the garden at Ellerbeck Road, Ellenshaw, Darwen, just two days after work started on it.

They ripped up newly-laid turf, cut into the rubberised safety surface below the play equipment and even started to dismantle a climbing frame.

And they cut through a willow-weave archway which was to be covered with honeysuckle and runner beans, forming an attractive entrance to the park.

The Ellenshaw with Two Gates Tenants' Association, who were working on the scheme with Groundwork Blackburn, had hoped the park would encourage local youngsters to take a pride in their surroundings. Chairman Lillian Scott said: "I am completely and utterly disgusted. I am so angry with the mindless idiots who did this.

"We have had kids working on the garden in the pouring rain and they were really enjoying it.

"It wasn't just for the kids on the estate. It was for the ones from the surrounding areas too. They were all desperate to get up here and play."

Jeff Allen, of Eco Arts, who designed the willow-weave work, said: "Whoever did it has used cutters so they have come here with the deliberate intention of destroying it."

Liz Peel, senior project officer at Groundwork, said they would continue with the willow-weave seat and planting but it was unlikely the archway would be put up again. The garden, funded by Barclays SiteSavers, the Lloyds Trust and Blackburn with Darwen Council, will be opened on Friday. Police are investigating.

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