Award-winning Battle gardens hit by vandalism

Mindless vandals have been blamed for a recent spate of anti-social behaviour in an award-winning public garden.
Almonry Gardens, Battle. SUS-160311-103215001Almonry Gardens, Battle. SUS-160311-103215001
Almonry Gardens, Battle. SUS-160311-103215001

The lower garden at the Almonry Gardens, by The Battle Museum of Local History in the High Street, has been shut until further notice due to repeated incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

During one incident, a museum window was smashed.

Tables and chairs were thrown, an established Wisteria plant was 
damaged and litter has been left scattered around the usually picturesque
 gardens.

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The Almonry Gardens, which are owned by Battle Town Council, were previously open for the public to enjoy, but the council has been forced to shut the lower garden until further notice.

Carol Harris, acting town clerk, said: “We have been aware of night-time use of the Almonry Garden for a period of time and, 
whilst the leaving of litter and other undesirable debris was disappointing, we are happy our beautiful gardens are being enjoyed.

“Sadly there have been several incidents of vandalism and the council has no option but to lock the gate to the garden whenever the office is closed.”

Battle Town Council has reported the incidents to Sussex Police and is working closely with them in a bid to identify the culprits and implement extra security measures.

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The Almonry Gardens will fully reopen to the public in the spring, after changes have been made.

The Almonry Gardens 
won the Gold award in the Small Park category at the South and South East in Bloom competition for several years running.

In 2016, the gardens took home Silver Gilt in this category.

The pretty Almonry Gardens also traditionally provide the beautiful backdrop for the town’s own annual competition, Battle In Bloom.

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The Battle Town Council offices in The Almonry building, open every week day between 9am and 2pm.

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