Beith fire: Community Trust appeal to culprits after vandalism

Nearly all of the contents of the polytunnel including rows of fruit and veg which are used as part of the Trust's food programme were destroyed when individuals started a campfire on the grounds on the evening of Sunday, March 28.

The damage has left workers and volunteers dismayed however the culprits are being given the opportunity to come forward before the matter is pursued officially with police, with the incident having been captured on CCTV.

A Spokesperson for the Trust told the Herald: "We know it was two people, a boy and a girl. It seems like they started a campfire which I think would be innocent enough. I don't think they intended to burn down the polytunnel but when they left, the fire must have still been going and it basically took hold and burned the whole thing down.

"We've got very clear footage of the boy and girl and it would be in their best interests to contact us and talk about how we could sort it out because otherwise we'll need to take it to the police.

"If it was a genuine accident and just a bad decision, I think we could talk about a solution. If they don't come forward, it won't be good."

They continued: "There are two male volunteers who spend thousands of hours in there every year growing fruit and vegetables which we use in our food programme. The greenhouses are full of plants which were ready to be transported into it just after lockdown.

"Things can always be fixed. It looks like two young people who I think were just looking for somewhere to go that was dry and now those actions have led to quite a significant bit of damage that needs to be repaired.

"If anyone has any information or wants to help or indeed the culprits want to come forward, they can drop us a message on Facebook and it will be treated with confidence."