Vandals target Barnstaple community woodland

PEOPLE are being asked to keep an eye out for vandals and arsonists at a Barnstaple beauty spot.   Yeo Valley Community Woodland has suffered repeated attacks by vandals over the summer, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage as well as ruining the ar

PEOPLE are being asked to keep an eye out for vandals and arsonists at a Barnstaple beauty spot.

Yeo Valley Community Woodland has suffered repeated attacks by vandals over the summer, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage as well as ruining the area for local residents and wildlife.

North Devon Council is calling on residents to look out for suspicious behaviour and report any incidents to the police immediately.

Andrew Moulton, Community Officer for the council, said: "New information signs have been shot at with air rifles and plastic tree guards have been taken off trees and set on fire. People have also been camping at the woodland and then leaving behind rubbish, clothes, tents and sleeping bags."

Lead Member for Parks Cllr Eric Ley said: "It's really disappointing that all of the hard work that's gone into the woodland is being undone by thoughtless acts of vandalism. This woodland is for the benefit of the community and we're asking the community to help protect it by keeping an eye out for any suspicious behaviour."

The police have been called to the woodland on several occasions throughout the summer. Two youths have so far been arrested and will be appearing in court later this month for criminal damage.

Local beat officer PC Anna Fielding advises witnesses to call 999 if offences are being committed at the time, especially if the offence involves the use of a weapon and 08452 777444 central switchboard for non urgent reports.