MEMBERS of Bowerhill Residents Action Group (BRAG) say they ‘will not be beaten’ by vandals as the picnic area damage included the bug hotel, pond and benches.
The action group believe the vandalism took place on the evening of Friday 17th May.
Member of BRAG, Jenny Butcher said, “The bug hotel was deliberately pushed over, with all the flowers planting on top thrown over and squashed. Plus, all the stone ornaments, which has been donated by local residents in memory of a beloved pet were either smashed, stolen or we think chucked into the K&A canal.
“Some of the stone ornaments were also used to smash up our small pond which was full of plants, newts and frogs. We also noticed that one of our newest benches at the top of the bridle path, dedicated to the Bowerhill Villager, had been slashed across with a serrated knife.
“Graham and I have now spent two days removing the pallets that formed the bug hotel, as it was on the tilt and dangerous to our many visitors on the site, especially children who are already missing this feature and all the well-loved stone animals.
“When we were asked by the children where they were, we have to tell a little white lie that they have gone to another area and not that they have been smashed or are in the canal.
“We are hoping that some of these stone ornaments were stolen and still exist, so if anyone sees a couple of very bright orange cats with green eyes, one large bright green frog with a bright yellow jersey, a couple of small orange baby foxes and a black and white badger, it would be great to see them back.
“The BRAG bug hotel will be rebuilt and eventually, at the end of the summer, a new pond will be put in place, so please do not be beaten by these mindless yobs. BRAG would also like to thank those people who have donated money on our Justgiving site. We are very humbled that we are not alone in our love in keeping the picnic area up and running.”
If you would like to donate to BRAG to help them rebuild the area, visit www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bowerhill picnicarea.
