A headteacher today told of her devastation after vandals went on a spree of destruction at a garden used by children with learning difficulties.

Carol Clifton spoke after garden ornaments were smashed and furniture destroyed in the sensory garden at Elmbrook School, in Basildon.

Clearing up - young people work to remove the vandalised items at Elmbrook's sensory garden Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Now pupils who created the garden as part of a horticultural project will be clearing up the mess.

This is the second time the special needs school has been targeted.

A couple of years ago the garden was completely trashed.

Ms Clifton said the situation was "devastating".

"It has been absolutely vandalised. There have been things thrown in to the pond, wind chimes broken, plant pots smashed and trellises ruined. They have even messed in the pond."

The school has estimated the damage is about £600 to £700.

Ms Clifton said: "The children are so proud of the garden, they created it and looked after it, so this is not very nice for them."

Published Tuesday, January 7, 2003

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