A COMMUNITY park and garden have been “completely destroyed by thugs”, amid reports of human waste being found.

At a meeting of the Prestonpans Community Council last Tuesday, members expressed their disappointment over the intentional damage to trees, planters and green space at the garden at Cuthill Park, allegedly caused by youths.

Tam Gibbons, community councillor, said: “It is so disheartening to see, especially for the kind-hearted volunteer who worked very hard to keep this a welcoming space.

“Last time I saw her, I spoke with her and she was crying.

“Others offered to help and restore the gardens but it needs to be organised.

“Additionally, about four to six weeks ago, we saw five campervans parking beside the garden.

“As a member of the bowling club, we could see them over the roof.

“They had a couple of quad bikes and they were running them up the hills while we were playing bowls, leaving big tracks on the grass.

“We even saw little children hanging off the bikes.”

The garden in Cuthill Park had previously been planted with vegetables and flowers by volunteers – few of which have been left standing.

Volunteers hold regular tidy-ups and maintain the gardens, which have previously included an orchard and raised beds for cultivation.

Andrew Stevenson, community council vice-chairperson, said: “My son and I collected 18 bags of rubbish from the area; it was a young boy cleaning up after the mess of these people.”

Reports of human waste at the park have also been reported by community members,

Mr Gibbons added: “I spent an evening trying to call the police. I went down to two stations but it was a waste of time. It is very sad for the woman who spent her time making this a good space.

“I thought the world of her, she would come down from Musselburgh on her own in the rain, but I haven’t seen her in a while and, in the end, you have to walk away.”

The community council suggested an increase in policing patrols could control the issues and “make kids think twice”.