Angry residents in Haddington hit out after vandals destroy flower beds and colourful displays

A string of attacks on flower beds and colourful displays in an East Lothian town have been branded a ‘crime against the community’ as residents react with anger.

Stunning flower beds in Neilson Park, Haddington, were targeted for the third time in two weeks with shrubs and plants torn out and stamped on.

The colourful displays change with the season and are planted and maintained by East Lothian Council’s gardeners however they spent the last two mornings in a row clearing up debris.

The vandalism sparked anger on social media as images of the damaged beds were shared.

Blooming Haddington, who also look after floral displays across the town, reported the beds were attacked in the park last week as well and said other displays across the town had been targeted.

Following the initial reports of damage to the park beds, the group said: “We are saddened and disappointed that we have been made aware of vandalism to the flower beds in Neilson Park.

“This is not the first incident with planters and even wheelbarrows being targeted in recent weeks.

“The community, the council and our volunteers work hard all year to try and make Haddington a great place to live.”

On its Facebook page supporters reacted to the news with one saying: “To see beautiful flower displays around the town is just so, uplifting for the soul.

“This is a crime against the community.”

On Haddington Facebookers there was a similar response with one member saying: “So very sad. I always admire the work of the gardeners in the park.”

While another added: “Can’t understand what anyone would get from doing this.”

A spokesperson for the council confirmed the beds had been damaged for s second night in the row as it appealed to anyone who spots similar vandalism to get in touch.

They said: “Unfortunately some petty vandalism has taken place over the past two nights at Neilson Park, Haddington with bedding plants ripped out and shrubs damaged.

“If anyone spots such vandalism please contact the council on 01875 612818.”