Telford community orchard damaged during vandal attack

Now, after the latest attack, volunteers say they fear they may have to give up tending the site.

More than £1,000 of damage was caused when offenders broke into a shed where gardening equipment is stored and stole tools used by the group.

The vandals also damaged the shed in the process and burnt one of the windows in the disabled bathroom.

Members of Madeley Community Orchard Group today spoke of their dismay.

They say they may be forced to abandon the land.

Jude Walker, secretary of the group, said: "We are very very upset and we just don't know what to do.

"It is the damage that is going to cost the most, as we are not as bothered about the tools as they can be replaced.

"But this orchard is used by so many people in the community, and it's just very sad to see this happen.

"The group is very concerned that we may have to give up caring for the orchard, so depriving many people in Madeley and Sutton Hill of a beautiful quiet place full of wildlife.

"As well as taking the door off the shed, they also burnt one of the windows in the disabled toilet with one of the gas canisters used for the BBQs.

"We have been unable to get the shed repaired and it is now being used by the vandals as a hideout, " she said.

"We have managed to move most the equipment out of the shed to a safer location so hopefully that might stop them.

"We just don't know why someone would do this as it is used and loved by many of the residents.

"And we also produce fruit and vegetables for the community and hold a number of events, such as the Orchard Wassail last January.

"It would be such a shame if we had to give it up due to this.

"We would like anyone who knows who these vandals are to get in touch with the police."

The group discovered the break in on Monday and believe offenders caused the damage sometime before the bank holiday weekend.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.