VANDALS burned two sheds to the ground in the latest attack on allotments in Bolton.

The most recent incident occurred at Harpers Lane allotment in Smithills on Sunday, October 28, but sites at Rawlyn Road and Shepherds Cross have both been targeted previously.

Two greenhouses were also damaged, with one completely destroyed, but David Jackson, secretary of the Association of Bolton Allotment Societies, says the identity of the vandals is unclear.

Mr Jackson reported the incident to the police, but allotment-holders say they were told investigations have been closed because of a lack of evidence.

Explaining the incidents, he said: “We had another wave of break-ins about two weeks ago, two sheds and three greenhouses were burned down. We have had some thefts too, one of them was a generator so we’re not sure it’s children because they wouldn’t take that.

“We suspect that there’s more than one group of vandals coming onto the sites and causing problems.”

It is estimated that the total cost of damage for one resident could be as high as £2,000 to replace both a shed and a greenhouse.

“It takes a lot of time to build up a plot and then 20 years of work can be destroyed in one night,” Mr Jackson said.

“Doubtless this gives pleasure to some but it is a devastating blow for the plot-holder.”

In the past, sheds on all three sites have been targeted by thieves who try to steal tools or other items that they believe to be valuable.

To contact police about incidents of vandalism, call 101 or visit the Live Chat feature on www.gmp.police.uk.