Youngsters distraught after green work uprooted (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Youngsters distraught after green work uprooted in Hampton

10:00am Friday 25th January 2013 in News By Clare Buchanan

Dedicated youngsters were devastated after seedlings they spent hours planting in the snow were ripped out by vandals.

More than 50 beavers, cubs, scouts and parents from the 3rd Hampton Hill Scout group turned out for a planting project despite freezing temperatures on Saturday, January 19.

The group prepared icy ground and planted 400 plants at Holly Road Recreation Ground in School Road Avenue, Hampton Hill, to form a 100m beech hedge, which will soften the park’s fencing.

But assistant scout leader John Williamson was dismayed when he found out on Monday morning that at least a third of the plants had been ripped out and cast aside.

He said: “It’s sad that a small minority have all that destructive energy but fight shy of doing anything constructive.

“The fact that so many parents turned up with their children despite the vagaries of weather, set exactly the examples that we at 3HH Scout Group like to instil and foster throughout all sections of beavers, cubs and scouts- that there is fun and satisfaction to be had by offering help without reward.

“This project gives the kids a great sense of ownership to a significant local public facility.”

Police said that the safer neighbourhood team were investigating.