You are stealing from your own community - heartbreak as equipment taken from the Walled Garden at Worden Park
The break in happened over the weekend.
Heartbroken volunteers have spoken out after a community garden in Leyland was broken into over the weekend.
The Walled Garden at Worden Park had equipment stolen after padlocks were cut.
Among the items taken were a brand-new hedge trimmer still in its box, a DeWalt drill and impact driver pack with batteries, an Anker speaker and a kettle.
Posting on the Facebook page, a spokesperson said: “Our community garden was broken into. This is a really upsetting setback for our community garden.
“Over the last 12 months, Matt and I have poured so much of ourselves into restoring this garden and running sessions with our volunteers.
“The majority of our time on the project is unpaid right now, but we do it because we care deeply about making this a success and creating something everyone can benefit from.
“For us, this is also a dream of doing something purposeful with our lives, leaving a lasting legacy for our town, and a place that supports the health and wellbeing of everyone who comes through its doors.
“Alongside us is a wonderful team of volunteers giving their own time aswell.
“That’s why this hurts so much!
“Among the items taken were a brand-new hedge trimmer still in its box, our DeWalt drill and impact driver pack with batteries, an Anker speaker (and even our kettle!?)
“We had to borrow our own kettle from home today so our volunteers could still enjoy a brew together.”
Stealing from their own community
They added: “It isn’t just the equipment. It’s the work behind it and everything it was going to help us do. While we’re still working towards opening the garden, there is very little money to replace what’s been taken.
“We have so many plans for this space and stuff like this just slows it down.
“I wish whoever did this could see that they are literally stealing from their own community. This could be a place that they, or someone they love, might one day turn to for support.”
They confirmed that they will no longer be storing any power tools at the garden.
Lancashire Police have been approached for comment.