A community group has praised kind-hearted residents for their support after vandals targeted their garden.
The Friends of Egmont Street, who have transformed a patch of land in Bottom Mossley into a community garden with fruit and vegetables making it a haven for wildlife, were distraught to discover someone had attacked the site.
Rose arches, a large bird table, a new bird feeder, signs, a garden light, planters and mature plants were all damaged in the attack.
Now, after hearing about the raid, the community has rallied round and raised more than £800 to help restore the garden.
Lesley Arnold, who runs the Friends of Egmont Street alongside her husband Stephen and a committee, said they wanted to thank everyone who has come to their aid.
DESTROYED: The vandalism at the community garden.
She said: “This town is full of warm-hearted, generous people who were outraged by what had been done and overwhelmingly determined to help put it right. In all the years we have been doing this, we have never, ever asked for money.
"Numerous people wanted to donate and asked us to set up a fundraiser. To date we have raised or been promised over £800 to put right the damage.
“Myself, Steve and the rest of the committee would like to pass on our heartfelt thanks to every single person who has donated and supported us at our time of need. It is so much appreciated and will never be forgotten.”
SUPPORT: After hearing about the raid, the community has rallied round
The Friends of Egmont Street was set up to work together as a community, to make the area a better place to live.
Having tackled vandalism, anti-social behaviour, graffiti and litter, the group concentrates its efforts on tending to the community gardens, located at the council playing field on Egmont Street.
The patch is surrounded by woodland and dissected by the river and canal, providing walks and a healthy green space for the people of Mossley and beyond.
If you would like to donate to the fundraiser visit https://www.facebook.com/donate/341293461166507/?fundraiser_source=external_url
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