Hi, my name is Lucy and recently my allotment was vandalised and they broke the brand new polytunnel my husband and I had purchased after saving up for one. My husband secured it in greatly, and after not being able to go down for a few days we have found it has been completely destroyed. It’s been cut, smashed, and parts of it have been stolen. Including digging it out of the ground and our wheelbarrow has been stolen also.

This wasn’t “just” a polytunnel to us. It was meant to be a small, safe place to rest and recover while I’m at the allotment. I live with conditions called hEDS, POTS, and more that cause regular joint dislocations and severe fatigue, among other issues, so having somewhere sheltered to sit down was really important. I also have two young children who come down with me, and they often need somewhere to rest too.

To see it ruined like this has really upset us as a family. It feels incredibly disheartening when something you’ve worked hard and saved for is damaged for no reason, right at the time when my family needs it the most.

I know there’s been a wave of anti-social behaviour across Tadley recently, but please can everyone be watchful and mindful. These actions have real impact on real families. If you see or experience anything, please report it via 101 online. The more reports that are made, the more it shows the police that this is an area of concern and increases the likelihood of greater local presence.

I have been gifted £40 so far towards a new one which is incredible and unexpected, any many people have urged me to set up a go fund me, which the police officer investigating has also recommended. The goal is to raise enough money to cover the cost of the polytunnel, which was on sale, and potentially cover a wildlife camera to cover our plot to hopefully deter any more antisocial behaviour.

Thank you for reading :)