News / Crime
City farm blighted by break-ins appeals for help
A much-loved city farm continues to be blighted by break-ins as the latest incident has left staff feeling “frustrated” and “demoralised”.
The actions of trespassers into St Werburgh’s City Farm on Monday have left parts of the farm vandalised and its interior damaged.
The team on Watercress Road are now appealing for financial help to get the farm back on its feet.
is needed now More than ever
The perpetrator broke into the much-loved Hobbit House, smashed a cafe window and broke locks to the tool workshop, stealing some its contents. They also blow-torched the farm’s donation bin, a sculpture created by a local artist.
This was the sixth attack on the farm in six months.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CbI1XQqIc38/
In a post written on social media the following day, the charity wrote: “It’s difficult to not feel frustrated, angry, confused, hurt or hopeless, specially when the break-ins have become more usual, and dealing with them requires time, energy and resources that we’d prefer to put elsewhere.”
St Werburgh’s City Farm has now launched an appeal to help with the immediate repairs.
Director Kari Halford told Bristol24/7: “We just want to get the word out that every penny that the farm can generate goes back into the essential services that we deliver.”
“Our community needs our services more than they ever have. I can say that really proudly.”
But the team say that incidents like that of Monday cause distraction from the crucial work the farm does to help the community.
Using a various gardens, allotments, the charity aims to “connect people from all walks of life to the story of land, nature and food”.
The city farm offers targeted services, volunteering opportunities, gardening courses, animal care placements and more – photo: St Werburgh’s City Farm
Halford added: “When we have a break in, we have to divert money to replace broken glass and to fix the lock, and to pay for our maintenance man. That’s the bit that is really frustrating.
“We are delivering really incredible services that are transformational for so many people. If people are able to, then we’re asking them to help support what we do, and show that they care, through a one-off or monthly donation.”
Despite the news, the team at the farm continue to stay positive, with Halford saying: “We can’t allow it to define us because the community needs us and we need them.”
To support St Werburgh’s City Farm, visit www.swcityfarm.co.uk/donate
Main photo: St Werburgh’s City Farm
Read more: Thousands of pounds worth of art stolen in burglary at shop
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