A POPULAR area that benefits the community with fresh vegetables and herbs has been the victim of vandalism for the third time in almost six months.

Rose Walk, which leads into the Meadows by Tavistock Bowling Club, is looked after by a group of dedicated volunteers from Transition Tavistock which gave the area a 'makeover' with support from Tavistock Town Council.

Since November 2013, months of hard work had been undertaken by the volunteers, under the initiative 'Roots to Transition'.

In that time they have transformed the overgrown area into the now colourful vegetable and rose garden.

But three attempts to damage the area has disheartened the ten-strong team of volunteers.

Sue Hepworth, co-ordinator of Roots to Transition, said: 'We are very saddened to report, yet again, that our rain barrel at the Rose Walk has been emptied of its contents and the guttering that feeds it has been vandalised.'

In December last year the water butt was damaged and sustained a large split down one side, resulting in all the water escaping — water which was to be used for this year's flowers and vegetable patches.

Then since March this year, the rain barrel has been vandalised twice — both times resulting in Rose Walk's only water supply being drained.

Sue added: 'This was our only water source for the plants we are growing there so it is very precious — it will take weeks to fill again.

'We do have permission to collect water from the canal but the water level is too low to use during the summer.

'We wish to thank whoever it was who put it all back together again for the second time, it is lovely to know there are such kind people out there.

'We are volunteers who give our time gladly so that the Rose Walk looks at its best and that the community can benefit from the veggies and herbs we grow and perhaps be encouraged to grow their own.

'Please help us to stamp out this senseless behaviour.'

Kate Royston, co-ordinator for Transition Tavistock, said: 'We've really appreciated the positive comments from people in the town who are enjoying the Rose Walk now with its interesting combination of vegetables, herbs and more traditional planting — and the opportunity to demonstrate that you can grow food to eat in many different places.

'It's a big disappointment that many people's pleasure can be damaged by a thoughtless few.

'If anyone has any ideas on how we can prevent this from happening again please get in touch.'