Vandals have ripped out large chunks of wood from sculptures in Valley Gardens dedicated to Harrogate’s links with New Zealand.
Both the kiwi bird and the carved Maori bench were missing large chunks when The Stray Ferret visited the gardens today.
There are some chippings close to the carved Maori bench indicating that the damage was deliberate.
The carved Maori bench has also been badly damaged.
Ann Beeby, the secretary for the Friends of Valley Gardens, told The Stray Ferret she feared that the sculptures could not be repaired or replaced:
“We get very upset when mindless vandalism of this sort happens in a park, especially at this time when a safe and attractive outdoor space is so important. These sculptures can never be replaced, they can only be removed, which is what will happen if there is further damage.”
Harrogate Borough Council has told The Stray Ferret that it will look into whether the sculptures can be repaired.
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Councillor Andy Paraskos, the 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.”
A large chunk missing from the kiwi bird.
The New Zealand Garden commemorates Harrogate’s twinning with Wellington and the country’s airmen stationed in the town during World War Two.
The garden dates back to 1954 and chainsaw sculptor Mick Burns carved the Marlin, Kiwi, and bench in 2010.
