Anger at more "mindless" vandalism and abandoned, smouldering barbecue

Volunteers have expressed frustration after more acts of “mindless” vandalism in Middleton - probably affecting the upcoming North West in Bloom competition next month.

Members of Middleton in Bloom woke up this morning (Thursday 27 June) to find a natural willow-woven fence around a memorial to the Middleton Fusiliers and local hero Lee Rigby, ripped apart and burned, on Rhodes Lodge.

An abandoned barbeque has also burned through a nearby bench, which was found smouldering by a dog walker early in the morning. Members don’t know if it’s connected, but say that enough is enough with the recent acts of vandalism in the area.

Pat Proctor, chair of Middleton in Bloom, has been left devastated by this latest stunt that has undone hours of volunteer work.

“I was absolutely devastated when I saw this,” she said. “What got vandalised was a dedication to the Middleton Fusiliers and to Lee Rigby.

“Because of that, this one really hurt. There is lots of information next to this about what it’s for, so it’s not like they didn’t know what they were doing.”

Rochdale Online previously reported how vandals have destroyed Middleton Gardens in the town centre and set fires to sections of King George’s Park in Moorclose.
 

Read more: Vandalism and arson in Middleton condemned by local politicianPublished: 24 June 2024

This time, the fence, created by Friends of Alkrington Woods, was on a stop on the main judging route for the North West in Bloom 2024 campaign - adding more frustration to the situation.

The Middleton in Boom Facebook page posted: “This is a mindless reckless act that is totally unacceptable. If anyone has any evidence or names of potential culprits please get in touch with us.

Volunteer Keeley O’Mara said: “It’s made worse by the fact we’re all volunteers, giving up our time to make the area look nice.

“One mindless act can put you back to square one.”

Keeley also noted that the recent vandalism in Middleton Gardens is a sign that vandalism is on the up, in the area.

She added: “At this point we can’t say if it’s connected, with the fence we don’t know if they’re kids or adults.

“We’re used to having plants taken and things like that, but ripping down the fence and burning it like this seems to be a whole new level.”

Sergeant James Donnelly, from GMP’s Rochdale Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are committed to tackling all manner of criminality in our community and will always target those who seek to disrupt the lives of others, whether that’s through drug dealing near people’s homes or causing mindless criminal damage.

“We have made numerous arrests in recent weeks and will continue to do so where this is necessary and proportionate. Where the offenders are young people, we work with partner agencies to work out why they may be offending: by putting the appropriate measures in place, we can both punish and prevent them from committing any further crimes.

“We urge anyone with any information to please get in touch with us, as all information, big or small, greatly increases our intelligence picture of who is doing what and when. This can aid us in pushing for charges and making sure criminals are punished and off the streets.

“Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also talk to an officer directly – they are always welcome to hearing more and are ready to provide advice and guidance.”