VANDALS damaged an ornamental garden in Haslemere by uprooting plants and leaving garden furniture in disarray and rubbish is scattered. On Tuesday morning, staff at Hasleway found that their fenced garden had been used and partly ruined for the third time recently. "It is so hurtful. But we can't stop them getting in as the two entry gates are also fire exits. "We can bolt them, but we can't lock them," manager of Hasleway Wendy Haines told The Herald. The vandalism has occurred despite numerous efforts to help to deter youths from using the area in a disrespectful manner. "We have fitted rubber spikes on the wall in an effort to deter them, which cost between £300 and £400. "We have also put up warning signs. "But both have been totally ignored." "Kids are putting their coats over the spikes and then climbing over the wall," Mrs Haines added. Neighbourhood specialist officer PC Rob Hawkes recommended that Hasleway should put up signs that aim to appeal to the good nature of the children. However Mrs Haines told The Herald that "they have done it more since the sign was put up". She also said that she didn't have a problem with the children using the area as long as they didn't cause such damage. "If they just came in and drank their beer and smoked their fags I wouldn't mind so much. But why destroy it?" Police visited the garden on Tuesday afternoon and took away some of the items that had been discarded. A drink bottle was also taken away with fingerprints on it.
