Norwich Bluebell allotments vandalism makes family leave

Bluebell Allotments South, in The Avenues near George Borrow Road, has recently been targeted by vandals after sheds were tipped over, smashed up and broken into.

The spate of vandalism has forced one family to give up on their plot after saying "it is not worth it".

Sheds at Bluebell Allotments have been tipped over (Image: Helen Mandley)
Katie Mullarkey, who lives in Dereham Road, has decided that after years of being a victim to vandalism at the allotments since owning one in 2020, she's calling it a day there.

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The 45-year-old, who visits the allotments with her two daughters Nancy, 12, and Tallulah, seven, said: "We've given up.

Katie Mullarkey, pictured with her two daughters, Nancy who is 12, and Tallulah who is seven, is not renewing her lease at the allotments (Image: Katie Mullarkey)
"The lock on one of our sheds was broken and another had panels smashed in.

"Nothing was taken - it's just vandalism.

"I won't be renewing our lease there because it's just not worth it - we don't need the hassle.

Katie Mullarkey had one of her shed's locks broken but nothing was stolen (Image: Katie Mullarkey)
"This was mine and my daughter's happy place but now I'm always looking out for what's been damaged."

A letter was sent to some allotment owners from a Norwich City Council officer which said it had "identified the access point" where vandals were getting in.

It added they had arranged quotes from contractors and were "trying to arrange to get this booked in as soon as possible to secure the site" but warned that may take a few weeks.

The allotment officer at the council has said they've identified the access point where the vandals are getting in (Image: Submitted)
The officer added: "I am very sorry for the frustration and upset caused to those affected."

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Helen Mandley lives in Winter Road and has been the victim of vandalism at her allotment in the past, having rented it since 2003.

Helen Mandley, who has an allotment at Bluebell South said people are just giving up because they've had enough (Image: Helen Mandley)
Mrs Mandley has recently witnessed an increase in crime throughout the allotments and says the issue is affecting holders.

"People are just ready to pack it all in and leave because they've had enough," she said.

"It's very sad and I wonder if it's safe to even be there anymore."

While the sheds were tipped over and broken into, nothing was stolen from them (Image: Helen Mandley)

Allotment vandalism

The Bluebell allotments date back to 1924, when the city's parks superintendent, Captain Sandys-Winsch, laid them out on 70 acres of sandy fields, known as The Four Fields, in Earlham.

However, allotment holders close to 100 years later are no strangers to having their plots vandalised.

Katie Mullarkey has been the victim of vandalism before, having to deal with "vodka bottles smashed all over the plot and in our raised flower beds, as well as vaping sticks thrown in".

Helen Mandley added that one of her greenhouses "was smashed and a neighbour's shed had its windows broken" last year.

Katie Mullarkey also had panels of her shed removed at the allotment (Image: Katie Mullarkey)

There is currently a waiting list for allotment plots from Norwich City Council though.

The annual cost for a standard 125sqm plot is £51.25 for city council residents and £67.50 for anyone living outside of the authority's boundary.

The council advise: "Tenants should report all criminal activity on the allotments to the police and where possible, create a crime reference number.

"If the police investigate and find an illegal act has taken place, the council can then take action."