VOLUNTEERS have been left furious after vandals struck at a thriving community centre wrecking vegetable beds which had been partly made by people with learning difficulties.
Malvern Cube volunteers and the leader of an arts group which use the building have been left disgusted after finding out the specially made creative signs, which label the vegetable inside each bed, were ripped from the ground and damaged.
The news will come as a bitter blow to dedicated users of the Garage Art Group who spent many months making the signs.
The group runs a class in Malvern Cube every Tuesday in addition to sessions in Evesham and supports adults recovering from mental health problems and clients with special needs.
It is believed the damage was done during the first weekend of the month on the grass grounds outside the building near the Malvern campus of South Worcestershire College.
Volunteers of the Albert Road North community building have told the Observer the vegetable plants have been targeted before with similar offences taking place last year.
But according to Malvern Cube head gardener June Baguley, the recent act of vandalism has been ‘vicious’ and intended to cause upset.
Mrs Baguley, who is one of two gardening volunteers at Malvern Cube, said she was upset and called on residents who may have information to come forward as soon as possible.
“It’s so upsetting and I feel so sorry for the people who have put a lot of effort into making these signs,” she said.
“It’s just demoralising. For people to do this to a community centre which is there to support people is very sad.
“If this keeps happening then it will be hard for us to keep maintaining the grounds.”
Pam White, who runs the Onside Art Group classes at Malvern Cube every Tuesday, said members of the group would be saddened by the news.
“This is terrible news because they meant a lot of time making them signs – they will very upset by this.
“The community centre works hard for the community. It’s for everybody so it is hard to understand the mentality of those who have done this.
“It’s such a shame. They have absolutely loved doing projects like this and following that we have been doing more outdoor activities because they enjoy it so much.”
Anyone with information about the incident should call Malvern Cube on 01684 575363.
