An allotment trust is fighting back against the vandals with plans to develop an area of its land as a safe place for the community

Rush Green Allotment Trust is currently working closely with groups, including community police officers and residents, to come up with a plan for the area.

The idea comes after allotment owners have suffered from numerous attacks of vandalism on the site, which spans 11 acres of land across both sides of Rush Green Road in Clacton.

On Monday night firefighters were called when a shed was burnt down in a suspected arson attack. Stacks of straw were also set alight.

One allotment owner said it would cost about £1,000 to replace.

Then on Tuesday police were called when vandals ripped off the doors and caused damage to three other sheds.

The trust has spent hundreds of pounds on security fencing to keep the vandals out.

Plans are being made to improve the situation by developing a section of land and leasing it out to a community group.

Published Thursday January 8, 2004

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