Pane in the neck

ALLOTMENTS group secretary John Sawford examines the damage

Vandals smashing greenhouse windows

VANDALS are making gardeners’ lives a misery, smashing greenhouse windows on allotments in Greenacres.

The Constantine Street plots, which are next to the newly-developed playground at Leesbrook Nature Park, are being damaged by youths who descend on the area in the evenings.

Parents are constantly picking up shards of glass and litter from the playground so children can play safely.

Now, John Sawford, secretary of Greenacres Allotment Society, is worried their flowers and vegetables will be the next target.

He said there had never been a problem before the playground was opened and is furious at how bad the situation has become.

Mr Sawford said: “These youths are getting drunk and throwing stones through the windows of our greenhouses. It’s very expensive to replace a pane of glass these days.

“One of these days someone will be in their greenhouse when something is thrown and they’ll be injured. A lot of pensioners go to the allotments.

“Next, these youths will be wrecking our flowers and vegetables.”

While Oldham Council owns the site, the allotments are self-monitored by the group.

But in light of complaints, Oldham Council has agreed to step up patrols in the area.

The society is also having problems with people parking cars up against the gate leading to the allotments blocking the entrance.

Mr Sawford hopes to meet a council representative to discuss what more can be done for the site.