A charity has been forced to move home after repeatedly being subject to “mindless” vandalism.
Inverurie Men’s Shed has “given up” after being targeted by youths nine times over the course of the last year.
Hanging baskets were emptied, tomato plants trampled on and, crucially, their polytunnel plastic damaged beyond repair in the series of incidents.
As a result, the group began scouting for a new location – and settled on a field in Old Port Road.
The charity has now sought full planning permission to change the agricultural land into allotments, and to create a polytunnel, storage shed and 17 sheds.
Permission was granted this week, leaving the group “very pleased.”
Member Leith Robertson said: “Our garden was vandalised nine times in 12 years. We effectively gave up in the end.
“This is a chance for a fresh start, things will be slightly different this time.
“We will erect the polytunnel using the ribs of the old one and have room enough, we hope, for about 20 allotments. Hopefully some could be rented out to the public.”
However, some nearby residents raised fears about the development when consulted about the venture.
Steven Cruickshank, who lives on Old Port Road, wrote in his objection: “Problems with the Men’s Shed polytunnel being constantly vandalised was well documented in the press despite being in a populated area, so a move to an isolated, unlit, dark place with no access to electricity for security lighting would, I would have thought, be a target for vandals, and attract undesirables to our neighbourhood.”
However, last night the group revealed they plan to fundraise to keep their new site safe.
Mr Robertson added: ““We are looking for finance from local businesses for a fence, or exploring the idea of CCTV camera.
“It would have to be battery operated given its location though.”
In their approval note, Aberdeenshire Council said: “The proposal is appropriately designed and scaled with no adverse impacts on surrounding character or amenity, and all technical matters have been resolved in compliance with relevant policies of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2017.”
