Monmouth allotments have suffered numerous vandalism attacks over Christmas and the new year.

The damage done to the Millennium Field (Chippenham Mead) allotments over the past few weeks, is just the latest in a long spate of incidents.

Over the holiday and new year period, several plots were targeted. Damage was done to a number of sheds, which included windows being smashed and doors being broken. Water barrels which collect rainwater were up-ended and thrown around.

The allotment association’s secretary, Warren Courtenay-Ricketts said in response to the damage that "sadly, we’re almost used to it by now".

He added that the allotment committee will be reaching out to Monmouthshire County Council to see if there’s any assistance or advice it can provide, however he remains sceptical that much can be done, given that most ideas would have a significant financial cost.

Last year the allotments received £25,000 for stock-proof fencing with the aim to solve a rabbit infestation, however it will be the same height as the current fencing and would be unlikely to secure the site against vandals and thieves.

The allotment has suffered numerous attacks over recent months. In addition to the incidents of vandalism, there have been numerous thefts of gardening tools. In the run up to Christmas, a significant amount of produce was stolen from the plots, either for the purposes of selling it on, or personal use.

The next allotment meeting will be discussing the attacks and possible ways to prevent further incidents from happening. This has been made a priority issue for the committee.

One allotment holder has suffered five break-ins over the past four months. He said: "I’ve had a lot of tools taken, they seem to target mine because it’s up in the corner away from the road. The third time, they smashed the window and used a garden fork to prise open the door, breaking the door frame."

The damage has been reported to Gwent Police.