READING Borough Council has condemned the actions of “mindless” vandals who damaged a new community garden just over 24 hours after it was created by volunteers.
Over the space of four days last week, volunteer council staff equipped with pitch forks, spades and trowels gave up their spare time to build a series of raised beds and pathways on a plot of land next to the Civic Centre, including planting.
But in the early hours of Monday, September 28, two men attempted to burn the new plants, damaged plant pots and pulled a newly-planted young tree out of the ground.
One of the men also urinated in the garden before they both left the area.
The incident was captured on Reading Borough Council’s CCTV and all footage has since been passed to Thames Valley Police to investigate.
Council volunteers had started work on the creation of a new community garden in the heart of Reading Town Centre thanks to a successful bid for £13,000 of National Lottery Community Fund money which has helped pay for the raised beds, seating, paths, and plants.
The aim is to create a new green oasis in the town centre to be enjoyed by both Council staff and the local community.
This will eventually include growing fresh produce with the ambition of hosting pop-up events alongside community partners, including a possible outdoor kitchen once the garden is fully established.
The garden was the brainchild of Catherine Lewis, Rebecca Moon and Stephen Vigar from the Council’s Public Protection and Planning department.
Catherine said: “The vandalism is hugely disappointing for everyone, particularly for colleagues who gave up their own time to start work on the project over the last few days.
“With a team of amazing volunteers our vision is to rejuvenate the area into a vibrant, inclusive space that everyone can enjoy. It is hoped the community garden will be much more than just a place to grow fresh produce—it will serve as a shared hub for local residents, community groups, and the Council’s nursery to connect with nature, learn about healthy eating, and foster true environmental stewardship.
“By partnering with local businesses for ‘farm-to-fork’ cooking tutorials and creating a demonstration platform for sustainable living, we aren’t just cultivating fruits and vegetables – we are cultivating relationships and teaching valuable new skills.
“Whether you want to roll up your sleeves and garden or simply pass through to find a moment of calm, we hope transforming this space will offer a welcoming haven for the entire community.”
Councillor Liz Terry, Reading Borough Council Leader, said: “It’s beyond belief that 24 hours after this community garden was created, mindless vandals should look to damage it.
“CCTV footage has been passed to police colleagues, and I’d urge anyone who has any information to report it to Thames Valley Police.
“We are really grateful to Catherine and all the Council volunteers who have given up their own spare time to start work on what we hope will eventually become a valuable new space for the local community.
“It is making the best possible use of a spare patch of land next to the Civic Centre. Nothwithstanding the damage caused on Monday, I’m looking forward to seeing it develop further over the weeks and months to come.”
