Vandals throw bench bought for Johnson Community Hospital staff by Spalding nature reserve volunteers is thrown into drain

Mindless vandals has dealt a blow to hardworking nurses and nature reserve volunteers by chucking a bench into the drain.

Vernatts Volunteers had fundraised to buy a bench to provide a nice place for staff at Johnson Community Hospital to enjoy the peace of the Spalding reserve during their breaks from caring for patients.

But last night yobs have thrown the bench into the water – creating another clean-up job for the dedicated team at Vernatts Nature Reserve – who have also had to replace bug hotels which have been damaged by fires.

Vernatts Reserve has been transformed from a grotspot which was a magnet for unsavoury behaviour into a vibrant haven for wildlife and people – just a stone’s throw from the town’s industrial area.

One of the people behind this transformation is Pete Boekestyn.

He said: “We bought it by fundraising for our NHS staff so they had somewhere to relax during their breaks. It has been there for two years without any trouble.

“Our guys will fish it out but will need a good clean before we put it back.

“On December 28, we celebrate five years of formation of Vernatts Volunteers. We are as determined as ever to keep this area a safe and beautiful area to visit.”

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