Children 'devastated' by vandalism at playgroup (From Gazette & Herald)

Children 'devastated' by vandalism at playgroup

A CASH-STRAPPED playgroup has been targeted by vandals who have wrecked a youngsters' gardening project.

Local yobs used Brooklyn Playgroup's headquarters at Langton Road, Norton, for a drinking and smoking binge and children returned to find smashed glass, plants ripped out and planters stolen.

"They were absolutely devastated," said Mary Rohan, whose son Charlie attends. "A lot of them know which plant they'd planted. They did get quite upset about it."

Brooklyn, Norton's only playgroup, was threatened with closure when it suffered a cash crisis because of the dwindling number of children attending.

It cancelled its Christmas party and playgroup leaders issued a desperate plea to local parents, businesses and organisations for support.

The group is back in the black, but needs to raise £2,000 a year to keep running. Its 35 youngsters, aged two to five-years-old, were able to take part in a gardening project to learn about germination, planting and growing, thanks to the generosity of local firms.

North Yorkshire Community Foundation Local Network Fund gave a grant, and plants were provided by Dean's Garden Centre, Stockton Lane, York, and compost by R Yates and Sons Ltd, Railway Street, Malton.

"They grew seedlings and planted summer geraniums, pansies and sunflowers in tubs outside - it looked great, like a little garden centre," said Mrs Rohan. "They watered them every time they came to playgroup.

"We're a cash-strapped group, that's why we asked for donations, and local firms have come up trumps, then someone came and wrecked it."

A playgroup supervisor, who did not wished to be named, said: "For goodness sake, what is the world coming to? We work hard to teach the little ones respect, manners and a care and concern for people, animals and the environment.

"Don't these yobs have families who have taught them to respect others, or younger brothers or sisters who attend pre-school? I pity them as they don't know the difference between right and wrong."

Anyone with information about the incident should call the Ryedale Witness Line on (01723) 509662.

Updated: 15:21 Wednesday, June 15, 2005