VANDALS are being warned their actions will not be tolerated after an attack on Dorchester’s Borough Gardens.

A gate was broken off the bandstand and bedding plants were ripped up on Thursday night.

Residents of Dorchester have told of their disappointment and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

New mayor Peter Mann said: “It’s very disappointing that people behave like this.

“The Borough Gardens are a community facility, greatly enjoyed by people of all ages and we are very proud of the gardens.

“It is a great shame that a few individuals should spoil it for everybody else.”

He urged the culprits to think about the consequences of their actions, adding: “I would ask them to think very hard before acting like this and to think what a disappointment it is to so many other people.

“The town council staff work very hard to keep the gardens looking as nice as possible and they deserve better than that.”

The damage is believed to have happened at around 7.30pm.

A spokesman for Dorchester police said: “Behaviour like this will not be tolerated. Police will continue to work very closely with the garden staff. We have radio contact with them to enable us to work more closely with each other.”

Mr Mann said: “It’s very disappointing that people behave like this.

“The Borough Gardens are a community facility, greatly enjoyed by people of all ages and we are very proud of the gardens.

“It is a great shame that a few individuals should spoil it for everybody else.”

He urged the culprits to think about the consequences of their actions, adding: “I would ask them to think very hard before acting like this and to think what a disappointment it is to so many other people.

“The town council staff work very hard to keep the gardens looking as nice as possible and they deserve better than that.”

Residents took to Facebook to express their disappointment.

Tracie Purkiss said: ‘How awful why can’t people leave things alone it’s such a shame I really hope it can be replaced.’

Karen Armitage added: ‘The staff at the gardens work very hard all year so everybody can enjoy the open space. Mindless vandalism from certain quarters will not be tolerated.’

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting C:14:D:21519.