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Security stepped up at Enderby allotments after arson damage

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Extra police patrols and more security fencing are to be introduced to combat arson and vandalism at allotments and a community garden.

The measures have been promised to protect the Place to Grow community garden in Mill Lane, Enderby, following a meeting.

The garden was badly damaged in the arson attack in January which destroyed meeting and storage buildings and tools.

The attackers also damaged 14 sheds and greenhouses in the neighbouring allotments.

Police believe the vandals climbed over a small fence from the adjacent golf club into the allotments and then into the garden.

Police hosted the meeting to discuss what to do to prevent further attacks.

A Place to Grow project leader Abdul Asghar said: "Most of our garden is surrounded by security fencing but there is one part next to the allotments where the fence is not so good.

"The county council has said it is prepared to fund that improvement to the security fencing."

He said police had started additional patrols and further measures were being considered.

He said the public response to the attack had been amazing with offers of tools and help rebuilding.

He said work was due to start in the next few days to prepare the ground for the installation of a replacement building.

A County Hall spokesman said: "The county council has agreed to provide secure fencing to the side of the site where it is believed the arsonist entered."

County councillor Jackie Dickinson said: "Not only are we looking to install more security fencing, we are working with other groups to improve security at the site."

Ashley Cox, of the allotment holders, said: "The additional security fencing will prevent people getting in from the golf course.

"We are very pleased with the outcome of the meeting. We have been made aware of areas where we can apply for grant aid to improve security. That could see solar powered lights being installed.

"One of the new measures promised by the police involves a dog handler exercising his animal in the allotments and neighbouring community garden at the beginning and end of shifts."

A police spokesperson said the meeting was very productive and attended by a number of partner agencies.

She said: "There have been some very generous gifts from the local community to help them.

"We are continuing to carry out our investigation and have increased patrols in the area.

"We would ask anyone with information about the incident to contact us."

People with information are asked to contact the police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555111.

Security stepped up at Enderby  allotments after arson damage


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