THERE are calls for “youngsters” to stop lighting fires at a Machynlleth community garden used by vulnerable and isolated residents.

Police are investigating after persons unknown set fires within Gerddi Bro Ddyfi Gardens, at Y Plas, with one fire even started within a building which serves as a shelter for volunteers.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, manager Angela Paxton said she was glad people were using the gardens but called on them to be aware of the potential for the shelter to burn down, and what that would mean for volunteers.

“The project helps people who are isolated or have mental health issues. It would be a real shame if any real damage was done,” said Ms Paxton.

“There are partly burned logs in one of the areas and there had been a very small fire inside the building.

“The building is a shelter. We have volunteer days there once a week, but the garden is kept open all the time.

“In the past, we have had a building burn down.

“It is open to abuse and I know younger people often use it in the evenings, which is great but we need them to know the damage fires can do.”

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