Thieves have left a trail of destruction at a special garden created for elderly and disabled people.

They scaled a 12ft high security fence round a Millennium Garden created near Low Moor Community Centre and stole about £250 of shrubs.

At the same time they pulled up other plants and damaged the landscaping.

The theft at the garden, built by local people and opened last month, has been condemned by police and residents.

Project manager Barbara Powell said there was little chance of the shrubs being replaced unless more were donated by well-wishers.

She said: "The garden cost just over £1,000 and the money came from funding which was set up for the Millennium and from the Newlands partnership. We won't be able to get any more to replace the shrubs and repair the damage.

"The people who did this are scum - they haven't just ruined the garden for the centre but for the people in wheelchairs who use it and the pensioners.

"The garden was only opened on January 20 after a lot of work by the disabled and people with learning difficulties.

"We have all been trying to improve the environment and then this happens.

"They have taken some big shrubs and plants - this isn't the work of kids."

Inspector Dave Holdsworth, of Eccleshill police, said: "It's very sad when someone has seen fit to deprived these people of this facility."

Witnesses should phone police on Bradford 376059.

Anyone who can help the community centre to restock the garden by donating plants is asked to contact Mrs Powell on (01274) 633036.

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