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Arson Attack Devastates Community Memory Garden
14 May
Summary
- Wooden pallets were set on fire, destroying a memorial bench.
- Suspected arson has damaged a community memory garden in Gateshead.
- Community fundraising efforts have begun to restore the garden.
A suspected arson attack has caused significant damage to a memory garden in Gateshead. The fire, which ignited wooden pallets, destroyed a memorial bench within the Springwell Community Hub's garden. This incident has been met with dismay by the hub's manager, Lisa Loan, who views it as a setback for local improvement efforts.
Loan reported that four youths were seen in the garden around the time of the fire. She expressed her frustration, noting that despite available youth activities, such destructive behavior persists. Community spirit has since emerged, with volunteers clearing debris and initiating a GoFundMe campaign to raise £800 for garden restoration. The campaign has already garnered £180 in donations.
