Further vandalism to Hornchurch Sensory Garden as the community rallies to show their support.

Sadly the Sensory Garden in Harrow Lodge run by Havering Volunteer Centre has received further vandalism over the last few days. Shelley and her team of volunteers were forced to lock the front gates over the weekend, but when they went to visit the garden as they do each day, they found that vandals had sadly bent the fence and climbed in, with some even jumping over the fence to get in. As a result, further damage was done to the garden with smashed pot, plants pulled out, empty bottles on the grass and drugs paraphernalia thrown on the floor.

Shelley and her team are sickened, and now worry entering the garden as they do not know what they will find.

Yesterday, 11 July, members of the community visited the garden to show their support and help stop this vandalism.

Police officers from Havering Joint Task Force visited the garden to chat with Shelley about extra security to keep the garden.

Neighbourhoods Superintendent Simon Hutchinson told the Havering Daily:

“I was upset and appalled to hear that an act of vandalism had taken place at the Sensory Blind Garden. We take all allegations of criminal damage seriously but this has the aggravating factor of targeting a vulnerable group. The Havering Joint Task Force, Local Neighbourhood team and Havering Council are working together to locate the people responsible for this. I would appeal to anyone that has information on who could have carried out such an abhorrent act to contact the Police.”

. Danny from JFF Security and Solutions was also at the garden.The team run by Scott and Tammy Squibb have agreed to provide free patrols and fund security lights all free of charge. Councillor Sue Ospreay who is an incredible community champion across the borough, was also at the garden to add her voice of support, not only to help fundraise for new pots and plants smashed, but also to provide a team of helpers to work in the garden.

These disgusting acts of vandalism have left the community saddened, but angry as well. Yesterday, the team were able to rally together and show support to Shelley and her volunteers.

This is the only Sensory Garden in the borough and provides a lot of comfort for so many who enjoy sitting in its tranquil and peaceful environment. It is also a place where many place memorials to loved ones and can come and visit in the memory.

Thank you to our police officers for their support and for taking the time to come and chat with Shelley. Thank you to Scott and Tammy from JFF Security and Solutions for providing free patrols and funding the security lights. This is a local security company who do an amazing job and are always the first to step up to the mark and support the community when needed. And of course, thank you to the incredible Sue Ospreay whose dedication to her community is unbeatable. She really is fantastic!

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