WELL-LOVED residents are heartbroken from the attack on their property for the third time in two years.

An allotment in Ardleigh has been subject to an arson attack which has destroyed the area they have worked so hard to build.

Two fire engines were at the scene on Tuesday, April 12 to tackle the fire as it tore through the area.

Gazette: On fire - the allotment lit up by large flames

The allotment owner David, also known as Dick Green, and his partner June Lamont have been well supported since the incident.

Over the Easter weekend the family, including their youngest grandchild who is eight years old, worked together to help clear the damage.

After continuous trips back and forth to the dump they have made progress with clearing the extent of the aftermath.

Gazette: Devastating damage - the allotment has been cleared

The allotment means so much to them as a family as they have had the allotment for 40 years in Ardleigh.

June Lamont, the allotment owner, said: “It is disheartening when we keep getting it back together and then just like that everything is gone again.

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“It is devastating as it makes us not want to do it again as we are worried thinking is it all going to happen again, it’s very frustrating.

June said that Mr Green “didn’t sleep for days but the overwhelming support has turned him round and he doesn’t want to give up.

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“Nobody has got any money with electricity and petrol prices going up so to think that people are donating means so much to us.”

The money raised will go towards a shelter that is fireproof with the hopes that their allotment will not be destroyed for a fourth time.

Lyndsay Bonney, who set up the go fund me for the victims, said: “Me and my family are devastated.

“This has happened three times now and it's just a nasty attack on someone who puts his heart and soul into that allotment.

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“Mr Green is loved by many in the village and it was heart breaking to hear that this time he was talking about giving up, which is why I wanted to help.”