All that gardening destroyed by vandals

The yobs wrecked the site being created to bring colour and enjoyment to a derelict location in Westloats Lane.

The destruction involved dozens of plants being pulled from the ground and a clematis and trellis being broken.

Plants worth thousands of pounds have been donated to the project.

One of those closely involved in the garden's creation, Carole Fullick, said: "We feel very despondent about the situation. The vandals have made a real mess of the garden.

"We are creating the garden for the community to use rather than leaving it as a piece of wasteland. People will enjoy having the garden, instead of someone simply using it to dump rubbish.

"I would ask them to call the police if they see anyone causing mischief there."

The site, next to the Bognor Youth and Community Centre, housed a scout hut into the 1990s. The scouts moved out and the Arun District Council-owned land became derelict.

Plans began to be drawn up about a year ago to transform the 550sq metres into an area residents could use.

The Bognor Community Action Network has worked closely with Bognor Regis Town Council's Town Force to bring the plans to life.

The garden is also being formed in memory of Ron Hildreth. He died last June, aged 55, after years of extensive voluntary work for a range of community groups.

Mrs Fullick, Bognor CAN's development manager, said a lot of work had gone into the garden. All the rubbish had been cleared and the concrete flooring broken up and taken away. Donated plants from Ford Prison, Ferring Nurseries and Aldingbourne Nurseries were starting to add colour.

It is hoped to place seats in the garden to make it even more pleasant area for visitors. Members of the Youth Offending Team will maintain the completed site.

The long-term plans feature a children's play area when funds are available.