Dreadful vandalism attack in Valley Gardens in Harrogate

One of Harrogate's most popular family spots has been hit by a vandalism attack.
One of the damaged large-scale wooden sculptures in the Valley Gardens in Harrogate.One of the damaged large-scale wooden sculptures in the Valley Gardens in Harrogate.
One of the damaged large-scale wooden sculptures in the Valley Gardens in Harrogate.

Before lockdown, the sight of graffiti, broken glass and, occasionally worse, would take place periodically in the Valley Gardens - especially during school summer holidays.

But the award-winning public park has been relatively incident-free since Covid-19 struck and social distancing was introduced by the Government.

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But this week has seen a return to the bad old days in the lovely Victorian park as lockdown has begun to ease and the 'new normality' come into play.

At least two beautifully-carved large-scale wooden sculptures of wildlife have been vandalised in The New Zealand Garden in the Valley Gardens.

The garden was first opened after a consignment of New. Zealand plants was sent from the City of. Wellington in 1953.

The work of skilled sculptor, Mick Burns, the ornately-created wooden object were carved from tree trunks at some expense in talent and time in 2010, the same year The New Zealand Garden was restored and reopened in a dedication ceremony by a Maori elder.

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Coun Andy Paraskos, Harrogate Borough Council's cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said: “We are really disappointed to see that the sculptures in the New Zealand garden in Valley Gardens appear to have been vandalised.

“These were carved to complement the gardens and make them more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

“We will look into whether repairs can be made but as they are carved from tree trunks this is easier said than done.”

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