West Lothian charity fights back after vandals destroy community garden

Defiant members of a West Lothian gardening group say they won’t let mindless vandals stop them helping their community.

The Growing Together garden in Craigshill in Livingston, was left “significantly damaged” recently, after thugs broke in to rip up plants show plants and throw equipment and tools around.

The garden was targeted twice over the last weekend in March, with significant damage to the plants in our polytunnel alongside other damage across the site.

But the volunteers who run the garden say Volunteers who run it say they will “not let this get them down” and will continue to supply plants and produce for local families.

David Tatton Community Environment Champion for Growing Together, said: “Our team have been very busy and thankfully the place is back to some sense of order and we are busy re-sowing and replanting.

“The Craigshill community garden is an important space for the people of Craigshill, a mixed growing and activity space where people can gather safely for fun days, activities, events and gardening.

The space was designed and built with the support of West Lothian Yap, and the young people they support, whilst the garden space has been lovingly tended by the Growing Together community gardeners and the volunteers who give up their time.”

The plants and produce grown at the garden are shared within the community and used for various reasons. They supply other community gardens, give plants and seed to local residents, support local schools and the community fridge - which provides help for families experiencing food insecurity.

David added: “We have engaged with Police Scotland and will seek to press charges against those involved. If you have any information, please share with us or Police Scotland. We will not let this get us down, disappointing as it is, Growing together and our wonderful volunteers will continue with the good work.”

Police Scotland have been approached for a comment.

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