Vandals have smashed up the Brickmakers’ Wood project in Ipswich causing thousands of pounds of damage.
A member of the public called Rob Brooks, from The Eden-Rose Coppice Trust who run the site at Alexandra Park, at around 6am today after spotting the disabled toilets had been vandalised.
When he got there, Mr Brooks realised the damage was much worse than first thought - saying the project had been ‘completely levelled’.
“They have even damaged the Woodland Trust’s memorial tree for people who died in the First World War,” he said.
“Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been done.
“Everything had been smashed down to splinters, it has been completely levelled.”
The project offers a peaceful space for cancer patients, people with mental or physical health problems and learning difficulties as well as offering skills workshops for children.
Mr Brooks said the project may have to close for up to five weeks for the damage to be repaired.
“We are already having to cancel a visit today from someone with advanced bowel cancer,” he said
“It will take us weeks to put the project back together - but this person may not have weeks.
“The impact is the children with profound learning difficulties in our holiday club won’t be able to come down here either.”
Suffolk’s Police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore this morning described the vandalism as ‘absolutely disgraceful’.
He tweeted: “Horrified to hear about the vandalism at BrickMakersWood in Ipswich. Hope those louts are caught & prosecuted. Absolutely disgraceful.”
A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: “Police received a report of criminal damage this morning (Friday 11 August) at 6.15am at Brickmakers’ Wood in Ipswich.
“Damage was caused to a log cabin with panels ripped out and broken with various other items including water butts thrown around the site.
“Anyone who saw any suspicious activity or has knowledge of the incident should contact police in Ipswich on 101 quoting CAD reference 45 of 11 August 2017.”
The Trust are in the process of raising £15,000 to put up stronger fencing to protect the site.
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