Longridge's community spirit shines through in vandalism aftermath

The Longridge community has shown its true colours after rallying around a town nursery blighted by mindless vandalism.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Apr 2018, 11:37 GMT
Updated 25th Apr 2018, 12:46 GMT
Staff and children from The Little People at the Limes nursery with Louis Hunt from Lancashire Garden ServicesStaff and children from The Little People at the Limes nursery with Louis Hunt from Lancashire Garden Services
Staff and children from The Little People at the Limes nursery with Louis Hunt from Lancashire Garden Services

The Little People at the Limes nursery in Berry Lane has slowly been licking its wounds after vandals twice targeted its garden in late January.

The suspects entered the nursery’s garden and destroyed the children’s outdoor wicker playhouse beyond repair, valued at £250.

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Now, nursery manager Jane Priest and her staff have been given a helping hand by the Longridge community who have lend a helping hand to make the nurseries garden facilities bigger and better than ever before.

Lucas Greenwood-Prior, 3 and Charlie Makinson, 4 with Louis Hunt from Lancashire Garden Services.Lucas Greenwood-Prior, 3 and Charlie Makinson, 4 with Louis Hunt from Lancashire Garden Services.
Lucas Greenwood-Prior, 3 and Charlie Makinson, 4 with Louis Hunt from Lancashire Garden Services.

Jane said: “It’s been really lovely. We didn’t ask for any help or donations.”

Nursery deputy manager Marika Eccles said: “It was quite upsetting to know someone had done what they did in the garden.

“It’s now really nice to have so many people help us out.”

A range of town businesses have provided Jane with generous donations, including Lancashire Garden Services, pubs Tap and Vent and The Forresters Arms, and greeting cards shop

are Lucas Greenwood-Prior, 3 and Charlie Makinson, 4are Lucas Greenwood-Prior, 3 and Charlie Makinson, 4
are Lucas Greenwood-Prior, 3 and Charlie Makinson, 4

Charisma.

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Tracey McComb from Charisma said: “I read about it in the Longridge News and just thought it was a really shame because it affects young people, so I popped over and handed in a donation.”

Longridge man Louis Hunt, the owner and founder of Lancashire Garden Services, has drawn up a plan for the garden which will have a new wicker den, a range of flower beds, colourful bunting, a bark chipping floor.

“Louis just turned up on the doorstep to help out after the incident,” Marika said.

A mock up of the garden.A mock up of the garden.
A mock up of the garden.

“He’s now helping out with putting everything together and has been great.”

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Louis said: “We’re now ready to rumble. It’s been an exciting few weeks drawing the plans together.

“I have lived in Longridge all my life and these young kids have had development put back by these people who have ruined the garden.

“If there’s anyone that wants to get involved in the project please give Jane or myself a ring.”

Lucas Greenwood-Prior, 3 and Charlie Makinson, 4 with Louis Hunt from Lancashire Garden Services.Lucas Greenwood-Prior, 3 and Charlie Makinson, 4 with Louis Hunt from Lancashire Garden Services.
Lucas Greenwood-Prior, 3 and Charlie Makinson, 4 with Louis Hunt from Lancashire Garden Services.

Jane added: “I think we’re going to do an area of the garden at a time; it’s going to look great.” A brand new ‘mud kitchen’ will be built on site, where nursery kids will be able to use their

imagination making creations from top soil, compost, sand, gravel and water.

You can volunteer to help in the project by contacting Jane at the nursery on 01772 780496 or Louis on 07967 563009.