GAZETTE &HERALD: Police are investigating an attack on the Beversbrook Allotments in north Calne, after another case of what they described as mindless vandalism.

On Thursday September 30 some sheds were damaged and the members' hut had a fire extinguisher set off inside. It was also flooded after the sink had been blocked up and the taps turned on.

Along with this a cold frame was bent and a crop of pumpkins were smashed and thrown about.

Deputy town clerk, Linda Wakefield, said she was devastated for the allotment holders.

She said: "There's no sign of forced entry on the gates but there is on the members' hut.

"The allotments holders are upset and I am frustrated with it now. It's about the third time and I am getting fed up with it. It must be disheartening.

"What I don't understand about it is that the allotments aren't to or from anywhere and people going up there must be going out of their way."

Mrs Wakefield said there are no CCTV cameras up at the site although this may need reconsidering.

The council had previously decided not to install CCTV because of the expense, which is estimated at nearly £7,000.

She said: "There's no CCTV and we have had quotations. It's so expensive but perhaps allotment members will reconsider it in the future.

"We are going to be putting some security lights around the members' hut."

Allotment holder Geoffrey Thorne, from Curzon Park, Calne, said: "The damage didn't directly affect me but I did see it.

"I think it is a total disgrace and it's pure wilful damage by someone. They get in and do it deliberately. It is not young kids.

"It has not affected me personally on this instance but it's going to make people think twice about coming here because it just seems like no security, which is something we have complained about since it first opened."

Brian Lodge, secretary for the Calne Allotments Association, said: "One of the main problems is the site is very remote and by law you cannot put barbed wire on top of fences anymore.

"The way forward is difficult. You cannot stop people just climbing in.

"The town council have made good attempts to change the locks and we told them to make sure the fence is locked while people are in but what can you do against mindless vandalism?"

PC Nikki Knowles from Calne Police said: "There's no benefit to this crime whatsoever and a lot of older people work hard there and it's now all for nothing.

"It's mindless, petty vandalism and we are appealing for any witnesses or anybody who may have any information on the crime."

The allotments at Beversbrook were created after the town council sold the former Newcroft allotment site for housing. Allotments holders have always objected to the relocation because they have further to travel and the site is more vulnerable.

The Newcroft allotments were surrounded by housing but the Beversbrook site is in a field off the bypass where it is not overlooked.

In February hundreds of pounds worth of tools were stolen and in a separate attack, the toilet cisterns were smashed, causing the council's insurance premium to rise significantly.

Anybody with information about the attacks is asked to contact PC Nikki Knowles on (01249) 812106.