Torfaen toddler group left reeling after play area is destroyed by vandals

Volunteers from Wild Tots had built a willow dome and tunnel for the children to play in at the nearby American Gardens, as well as a number of bird boxes.

However last week, the group discovered that the bird boxes and tunnel had been destroyed by vandals.

On Sunday, the group, which regularly caters for children from ten families, also found the dome had been destroyed.

The willow dome at American Gardens before it was destroyed. Picture: Wild Tots.

Janet Thomas, one of the helpers at the group, said: “The parents and volunteers who helped build them are all absolutely gutted, and the children are devastated.

“The first instance was some bird boxes that we had handmade had been smashed to bits.

“We had raised some money and received money from grants to pay for a willow sculptor to help build these.

“We had a dome and a tunnel where the children could run through it.

The willow tunnel has been destroyed by vandals. Picture: Wild Tots.

“It cost a lot of money. In the last few days the tunnel was completely smashed.

“One of the ladies who lives nearby said her husband had been out walking and had seen they had been damaged.

“I was expecting them to be damaged, but I didn’t know how bad it was.

“Now our living willow done has been destroyed. We now have nothing.

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“It’s such a shame that the local children can’t enjoy these things.

“These gardens are for everyone.

“There’s no need for it.”