'Disappointment' after Bargeddie Safety Zone targeted by vandals

A Coatbridge charity has said it is "disappointed and saddened" after equipment in its community garden was vandalised.

The Safety Zone in Bargeddie was broken into over the weekend, with a borrowed digger completely destroyed.

Cruel vandals smashed windows and pulled out essential cables on the machine, rendering it unusable.

Writing on Facebook, the charity said: "We are disappointed to learn that a targeted attack was directed at the work behind The Safety Zone this weekend.

"If anyone has any information regarding the damage to equipment, including the loaned digger that was severely vandalised, please contact us or call 101.

"Despite this setback, we are determined to overcome it and ensure our community gets an additional space we can call our own."

The digger was loaned by a local resident to help the charity complete groundwork between two local primary schools, for a community garden space.

Youth worker, Andrew Allan, told Clyde 1 News: "Obviously it is disappointing.

"We're not disheartened, it won't stop us from fulfilling our obligations to serve the community and we will get there, but it does highlight the need for better security.

"I'm not surprised because vandalism does happen around once a year, it does happen in areas with a similar economic background, but we're going to carry on.

"I only hope the person who lent us the digger doesn't get into serious trouble with their boss, and that this is the last time we have to raise concerns about security."

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