DAMAGE has been caused to a community garden where people can learn to grow fruit and vegetables.

Firefighters were called out last Wednesday after reports of a blaze at the Heugh Community Garden in Tranent.

A spokeswoman for the group told the Courier it was thought that teenage boys were responsible for the damage.

She said: “Some lads, we are not sure how many, broke in and caused a bit of damage.

“We had a big stack of pallets, which they set on fire.

“We are just tidying up.

“There is a broken window, broken door, and some fencing broken as well.

“We are just clearing up the fire damage and getting rid of all that.

“We have got a camp fire where they had it and it is all contained.”

The spokeswoman stressed that the damage at the site “could have been a lot worse”.

The community garden, off The Heugh, was set up to offer people the chance to learn about growing their own fresh produce.

It also acts as a social space and is “very peaceful”.

The spokeswoman added: “Keeping up with the garden is hard enough without having to deal with this extra workload.

“We have got three volunteers coming in to help clear up.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they were on the scene for more than an hour tackling the blaze.

A crew from the town’s fire station were called at about 5.35pm after reports of a small fire.

Firefighters remained on the scene until about 6.50pm and there were no reports of any injuries.