​Southside Farm in Belmont, run by the Growing Local CIC (Community Interest Company), was targeted by vandals, with some of the site’s polytunnels found with “many holes” and evidence of a fire inside, according to a company spokesperson. The spokesperson said not only was the act “highly dangerous”, but the damage would also prove costly. In the last few weeks, the farm’s new field kitchen has been broken into, with a spokesperson claiming that their gear had been damaged and destroyed. Vegetables have been found “thrown around the farm”, along with volunteers finding evidence of fires. Releasing a plea to the public, a spokesperson for the community organisation asked residents to “spread the word” and has called on anyone who may hold information about the incidents to get in contact. “We are as you know a community organisation and vandalism like this costs us money in repairs and time to rectify,” the spokesperson added. “More importantly it causes huge distress to our staff, volunteers and users.” Volunteers at the 19-acre site produce seasonal vegetable boxes for the public, which can be delivered, or local businesses can choose to use them as a wholesale supplier. The farm currently operates a children’s educational garden, with further facilities to be added next year, including a new cooking studio and teaching space.