TWO volunteer run sites in Lockerbie have been targeted by vandals.
Community leaders have expressed their disappointment after reports of damage at the Eskrigg Nature Reserve and at the Old School.
Police are investigating both incidents, although they are not being linked at this time.
Officers described the situation at Eskrigg, which has been going on for six weeks, as ‘a prolonged campaign of vandalism and anti-social behaviour’.
And they revealed that since April 18 there has been damage to signs, bird feeders thrown into the pond, tyres deflated and locks damaged on the bird hides there.
In the latest incident, on Sunday, several mounted commemorative plaques were removed and discarded.
A police spokesperson said: “Lockerbie Community Police are looking for assistance in identifying the person/people responsible for a prolonged campaign of vandalism and anti-social behaviour at Eskrigg Nature Reserve.
“The damage has been estimated to run to around £1000. The reserve is maintained by the volunteers from Lockerbie Wildlife Trust who work tirelessly to maintain this well-loved and visited part of the community.”
Speaking to the Annandale Herald and Moffat News this week, reserve manager Jim Rae said: “The few people responsible seem to think it is OK to damage and steal
property and show no respect for those requiring disabled access to the hides and toilet, or for those who have planted trees in memory of loved ones who have passed away.
“I hope these youngsters grow up quickly and learn to act as responsible members of the local community.”
He also thanked PC John Cowan for his help and advice, adding: “I also appreciate the help and cooperation of the many kind people who visit the reserve regularly and alert me to any problems or have donated replacement feeders, for example.”
Meanwhile, police are also looking into vandalism at the Old School on the corner of Glasgow Road and Dryfe Road.
Sometime between 11 pm on Saturday May 20 and 10 am the next day, a wooden board was removed from a window frame facing the Glasgow Road side of the building and the window was smashed.
Old School secretary Gillian Moffat said: “The board and I are very concerned about the increase in damage that is being done to the old school site by various young people.
“Thankfully this time it was only minor damage, but we fear that something worse may happen when we are almost at the stage of starting the building work.”
* Anyone with information about either incident is urged to call police on 101 and details about Eskrigg can be passed in confidence to PC John Cowan, quoting PDG0105800523.
