Ongoing vandalism to Greener Peebles garden is 'devastating'

Since the start of the school holiday at the end of June, managers of the Greener Peebles space at Victoria Park have recorded vandalism almost every day.

And on Friday (July 8) a group of vandals were seen in the community garden, throwing stones at the newly installed CCTV camera, and climbing the lamppost to damage it further.

Greener Peebles projects manager Nichole Dow told the Peeblesshire News: "It's just disheartening when you come to the garden in the morning and have to clean everything up."

According to the group, the damage done to the CCTV camera, which was only installed in April on the advice of Police Scotland, will cost around £1,200 to repair.

As well as damage to the camera, youngsters have ripped up plants, broken polytunnel doors, and left rubbish – including broken glass bottles – around the garden.

Greener Peebles has remained quiet about the ongoing vandalism since June 30 in a bid to avoid giving the garden any negative attention.

Images of vandals misusing the garden, including the group last Friday, have been sent to the police.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 10pm on Friday, 8 July, 2022, we received a report of vandalism at a premises on Kingsmeadows Road, Peebles.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and trace those responsible.”

Greener Peebles offers a number of activities for the community. Photo: Greener Peebles

A spokesperson for Greener Peebles said: "Hanging out and being teenagers is one thing, but the garden is not a place to ruin – we are trying to bring value to our community.

"Last night was intentional destruction of expensive equipment. The police are investigating and will identify who did this.

"This behaviour is having a devastating effect on our community. We are consulting with the police, and youth workers.

"We have a youth engagement plan so we can mitigate this behaviour and encourage the garden to be treated with respect."

However, organisers are determined to continue their good work despite these issues.

Ms Dow said: “We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers who grow the garden, and care for our space, and a special shout out to those checking up on the garden in the evenings.

"The community spirit we have received during this difficult times is inspiring, however we desperately need more help to protect our community garden.

"Come along to see how you can get involved, we offer garden volunteering, skill share sessions and community events! There is something for everyone.

"Keep a look out for all the good news stories we will be sharing shortly, there is so much positivity at the garden, we can’t let this keep us down.”

Last week the doors to the polytunnel at Greener Peebles were damaged. Photographed is damage to the tunnels last year. Photo: Greener Peebles

The group is encouraging its members to not get "caught up" in the negativity, and to remember what the group is there for, to provide a green space to grow care for a garden.

They advise that as well as continuing to take part in events in the garden, such as the community meals and growing sessions, the community should write to Peebles' local politicians expressing any concerns.

Walking and exercise groups have also been asked to pass through the gardens in the evenings to increase the presence around the area.

To get involved with Greener Peebles, visit Greener Peebles on Facebook.