Vandals trash Lochmaben beauty spot

Their trail of destruction at Castle Loch was discovered on Tuesday morning, disgusting the volunteers who have spent hours creating idyllic community spaces.
Castle Loch project officer Darren Flint explained the ‘Forest School’ sign was torn down and burnt and a children’s play area was littered with broken glass.
A picnic bench was also ripped apart and set alight.
With disappointment, Darren said: “It is always a shock and saddening to come across this unnecessary vandalism.
“All the volunteers work so hard to make Castle Loch a wonderful and safe site for local residents and visitors to enjoy and these actions are so demoralising.
“Luckily this sort of thing isn’t too frequent, and most people come to enjoy and respect this important site for wildlife and the town’s history.
“We don’t let this sort of thing get us down, and try to keep positive.”
The Forest School was created by volunteers in December 2014 for nursery age children to enjoy their lessons outdoors and learn about the loch and its wildlife.
Police Scotland officers are investigating the vandalism to the items which belong to the Castle Loch Lochmaben Community
Trust.
The cost of the damage is estimated to be around £200, but the value to the Royal Burgh is said to be much more.
Mr Flint said: “To repair the damage and replace the broken items will cost a few hundred pounds — money the trust would have preferred to spend on new projects.”
Constable Murray Richardson of Police Scotland at Lockerbie said “We are keen to hear from anyone who can help us catch those responsible. This is just wanton destruction of community property.
“We have been informed that there appeared
to have been some kind of disturbance in the area around the bowling club between 9 pm and 10 pm on Monday night and want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this.”
Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 and anyone wishing to support the work of the Castle Loch Lochmaben Community Trust should visit www.castleloch.org.uk