St Ann's Well Garden, Brighton, vandalised and tents in sensory garden

St Ann’s Well Gardens in Hove has faced damage from vandals on several occasions with planters targeted and litter across the area.

Now tents have been pitched in the sensory garden, designed to be a quiet area of contemplation, and a volunteer group is calling for a crackdown.

However, a council spokesman said no tents were found on inspecting the site twice in the last two weeks.

Annie Mitchell, of the Friends of St Ann’s Well Gardens group, said: “We have had a spate of vandalism over the last few weeks, people have been setting up tents in the sensory gardens.

“It’s so depressing. We want that space to be somewhere for contemplation, not somewhere for people to be drinking and playing loud music.

A kettle in a hedge in St Ann's Well Gardens (Image: The Argus)

“We definitely need more action to deal with the problem.”

Tents were spotted with people sleeping in them in the sensory garden.

Friends of St Ann’s Well Gardens say they are speaking to Brighton and Hove City Council to tackle the issue within the community park.

The sensory garden is designed to be “safe and welcoming to all”, and the FOSAWG group encourages the use of the space by the more vulnerable people in the community.

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As part of the upgrades to the park, in September 2021 a new accessible pathway was created and a new pergola was installed at the north end.

A council spokesman said: “We always act promptly on any reports of unauthorised encampments we receive in the city.

“We’re aware of ongoing issues with antisocial behaviour in St Ann’s Well Gardens – including people camping.

“Our community safety team is working closely with Sussex Police, ward councillors and the Friends of St Ann’s Wells Gardens to try to resolve these issues.

“Our community safety team has inspected St Ann’s Well Gardens twice in the last 11 days. It found no tents on either visit.

“We are happy to return and inspect should we receive new reports. Instances of vandalism should be reported to the police in first instance.”