Redditch Borough Council has spoken out after a community event space has been subjected to persistent vandalism with the latest incident occurring last weekend.

The Canopies event space, which is designed to be the town’s own ‘pocket park’, has been vandalised numerous times, most recently during the weekend of 8-9 July.

The vandalism was reported to the council on Monday morning after Place Team officers discovered lots of the newly planted vegetation had been pulled out of the beds. Anything that could be salvaged has been replanted, however some of the new plants were missing entirely. Officers alerted the police to the situation for investigation.

This is the latest in a spate of ongoing vandalism to the area, which aims to be a welcoming public open space for people to enjoy. In the past few months, the new benches, tables, mural and walls have suffered frequent graffiti, there has been regular destruction of property such as lighting and irrigation systems and one of the new round benches was set alight.

The Police are aware of the situation, and the council are continuing to work with them and our CCTV operatives to discourage more vandalism in the area going forward.

Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Cllr Lucy Harrison, said: “It is very disheartening to learn that someone has caused such damage to this lovely community space. The Canopies has been positively received by the public and provides a great space for events in our town.  News of this vandalism will likely leave residents and businesses saddened. We will not allow such acts to ruin this for the wider community.”

Council Leader, Cllr Matt Dormer, said: “Special thanks go to our Place Team who repeatedly clean up the mess left by selfish antisocial individuals. The Canopies is an excellent space for community events and has been enjoyed by hundreds of people since its creation. To know that it is being vandalised is just so disappointing.”

The Canopies has hosted a variety of events including Digbeth Dining Club style pop ups and the John Bonham Celebrations, with upcoming events including the Redditch Eastern Festival.

We would encourage anyone with any information about the vandalism to contact West Mercia Police on 101. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.