Northern Ireland

Volunteers devastated by theft of plants and trees from community garden

Rainbow Alley in east Belfast where thieves stole plants from a community garden. Picture by Mal McCann
Rainbow Alley in east Belfast where thieves stole plants from a community garden. Picture by Mal McCann Rainbow Alley in east Belfast where thieves stole plants from a community garden. Picture by Mal McCann

VOLUNTEERS have been left devastated after thieves stole plants and trees from a community garden in south-east Belfast.

Apple trees and fruit bushes were taken from planters in alleyways off Reid Street in the Cregagh area.

Volunteers and residents have spent hours trying to reclaim unused alleys and build a community garden dubbed 'Rainbow Alley'.

Green Party councillor Brian Smyth said volunteers thought the plants had been stolen between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

"It's something that's bringing a lot of joy to a working class community," he said.

"I've got to ask them, what's their (the thieves') motivation?"

He said residents had worked hard to build a garden with the help of Conservation Volunteers.

"Myself and councillor Michael Long from Alliance have been working with them for months," he said.

"They've been building planters of all sizes and Conservation Volunteers have been showing them how to grow and maintain (the garden)."

He said well-wishers had already offered practical support, including Orla Smyth who owns Kaffe O coffee shops in Belfast.

"Groundwork NI have got in touch and a lot of individuals have offered to help," he said.

"It's been so positive. Michael Long and I were just determined we're going to keep at it.

"The residents want to keep this going. It's in a working class area of the Cregagh Road.

He added: "It's given a huge amount of joy for a lot of people in a few streets around that area."