'Significant destruction': Vandals strike community orchard in popular city park
Apple, pear and cherry trees damaged in attacks on popular Leeds orchard
Trees have been left damaged after vandals targeted a community orchard in one of the city’s best-loved parks.
Branches were snapped during incidents of anti-social behaviour at the site in Chapeltown’s Potternewton Park.
Apples, pears and cherries are grown in the orchard, set up around ten years ago by Leeds City Council and charities including Feed Leeds.
A council spokesperson said ways of protecting the site were discussed at a recent community meeting.
They said: “In recent months, Potternewton Park orchard has seen several incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
“All parties are committed to ensuring that the community orchard within Potternewton Park remains a valuable community asset.”
A poster advertising the June 30 meeting called for ideas to help more people benefit from the orchard.
It said: “It should be a space where residents can enjoy the space and see apples, pears and cherry trees flourish now and for the future.
“However, it has been subject to mindless vandalism, causing significant destruction of the trees on several occasions.”
The council said vandalism should be reported via its anti-social behaviour web page.
The spokesperson said: “Local ward members and council officers attended a constructive meeting with the community and stakeholders.
“Future options to improve the site are under consideration and will be collaboratively developed with the community.”