Sickening vandalism attack saw children's work trashed and community garden smashed up in Jarrow - this was the heartwarming response from the community

A sickening vandalism attack which ‘completely destroyed’ a community garden has prompted a heartwarming response from well-wishers.
By Sam Johnson
Published 22nd Sep 2020, 05:54 BST
Vandalism at the Williby Roc's community gardenVandalism at the Williby Roc's community garden
Vandalism at the Williby Roc's community garden

The team at eco-friendly community organisation Williby Roc’s were left devastated when vandals struck at their community garden at Bilton Hall, Jarrow.

Williby Roc’s director Danielle Pollard said yobs broke fences, smashed bird hides, and destroying homemade structures created by children in youth groups.

But she said what happened next was ‘heartwarming’.

Vandalism at the Williby Roc's community gardenVandalism at the Williby Roc's community garden
Vandalism at the Williby Roc's community garden
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After hearing of the sickening incident, supporter Avis Scott, 46, from South Shields, who attends Williby Roc’s sessions with her son, set up a JustGiving page aiming to raise £250 to help – and was gobsmacked at raising several times the amount she hoped for.

“It was absolutely devastating to see the damage, especially after all the struggles of going through coronavirus and not being able to hold classes,” she said.

“Originally the aim was just to raise £250. I thought £250 would be enough but I’m so proud of everyone in South Tyneside for coming out in support and it just shows what kind of people are in this community.”

The fundraiser saw £1,000 flood in within 24 hours, and total amount raised is sitting at £1,650.

Some of the damage at the community gardenSome of the damage at the community garden
Some of the damage at the community garden
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Danielle said: “We are completely blown away with the support and thank everyone who has donated money and time from the bottom of our hearts.”

Williby Roc’s sessions focus on helping adults and children realise their potential for creativity and resourcefulness by using eco-friendly reclaimed materials as well as mending various household items.

The damage was discovered on Sunday, September 13. Rebuilding on the site began almost straight away.

Danielle has reported the vandalism to the police who are investigating the incident and Williby Roc’s plans to use some of the money raised to increase security at the site, with new fences and CCTV.

Some of the damage at the community gardenSome of the damage at the community garden
Some of the damage at the community garden
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A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Offenders had caused significant damage to the community garden overnight. Intentional acts of criminal damage are totally unacceptable and enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.

"Anyone with information can contact us via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log 440 130920.”

Anyone interested in donating to the fundraiser can do so via the Just Giving page.

RELATED: We need your views on how 2020 is shaping life in South Tyneside - click here to have your say

Some of the damage at the community gardenSome of the damage at the community garden
Some of the damage at the community garden

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