“MINDLESS” vandals destroyed a herb garden lovingly planted by schoolchildren in Oakworth’s park just hours earlier.

Pupils of the village primary school were in tears after discovering their hard work had been ruined during last Thursday’s spree of destruction.

Local politicians were this week appalled to learn about the behaviour of vandals who pulled the herbs and threw them around Holden Park.

Ward councillor Rebecca Poulsen said: “They need to be caught and put in front of the children and hear what they have to say to them.”

Year three pupils of Oakworth Primary School planted the herbs last Thursday(May 24) as an inspirational activity to end a term-long project topic on plants.

With help from Friends of Holden Park volunteers, they used a hexagonal wooden planter that only months ago had to be repaired after itself being vandalised.

Helen Scargill, the school’s parental involvement worker, said the destruction was discovered late on Thursday evening by a Friends member walking his dog, and staff had to tell pupils the next morning.

She said: “The children were in tears – it was the hardest thing I’ve had to tell them, and words failed me. I was crying too.

“The staff were devastated.

“I have a lovely group of mums who bring their babies in the school on Friday and they were furious.”

The school is considering planting new herbs but does not have the money to buy them. The original herbs were provided by Keighley estate agent Holroyd’s, whose boss Chris Holroyd has a daughter attending Oakworth Primary School.

A plaque to be attached to the planter was provided by Omnis Signs.

Councillor Rebecca Poulson, who represents Worth Valley ward on Bradford Council, said the incident was “horrific” for the children. She said: “These people show no respect for their surroundings. What sort of message does it send to the children when they have put all their hard work into making the park look nice?

“The children put their heart and soul into this. This park should be a place where people feel safe.”

Luke Maunsell, who represents Oakworth ward, said he was delighted the children appreciated the village’s beauty and wanted to ensure it remained a wonderful place to live and visit.

He said: “It is therefore deeply upsetting that some mindless individuals have tried to undermine and insult this hard work. I hope that the culprits are caught and that the wonderful students at Oakworth Primary do not lose heart.

“While there are some who seek to weaken the community resolve in Oakworth, many others will remain committed to doing everything in their power to help local residents and the village at large.”

Oakworth has suffered a spate of anti-social behaviour in recent months, including youths in the park throwing stones at passing cars, and night-time raids on sheds and garages.

Earlier this month older teenagers planted upturned scissors and bottles in a soccer pitch used by Oakworth Juniors at Brontë playing fields.