Vandalised community picnic benches in Batchwood repaired thanks to donation

The vandalised bench in Batchwood. Picture: Miles Soppet (Image: Archant)

Friends of Batchwood were horrified to discover vandals had targeted picnic benches in woodland near the sports centre in March.

It was believed vandals had lit a fire on the tabletop and burned through 8cm of timber.

The seating had been partially funded by Herts county councillor Roma Mills' Locality Budget.

However, since an article in the Herts Ad about the damage, 1Life came forward to donate more than £100 needed to repair the damage.

The repaired bench in Batchwood. Picture: Miles Soppet (Image: Archant)

With the help of volunteers, the bench is now back in working order and the reclaimed wood was used to install another seating area.

Friends of Batchwood volunteer Miles Soppet said: "We were very disappointed that people were so uncaring and we didn't feel we could just leave it. We are surprised by how good it looks!"

Volunteers used reclaimed wood to create a new seating area in Batchwood. Picture: Miles Soppet (Image: Archant)