VANDALS have ruined an area of public land in Bromyard by driving a car across it.

The car was driven across the lawn next to the Public Hall at around 2am on Sunday, churning up and flattening plants and flowers in a succession of handbrake turns and 'wheelies'.

The lawn, known as the Old Bowling Green, is particularly popular with the town's older residents, who enjoy sitting on the benches provided.

Bromyard mayor Pearl Briggs said the lawn was also close to The Scallenge sheltered housing complex, where several elderly residents had been frightened by the incident.

She said: "I cannot understand the mentality of people who just want to destroy everything Bromyard tries to do."

Coun Briggs said Bromyard in Bloom and Herefordshire Council had put a lot of work in to improving the Old Bowling Green and this had been undermined by the vandals.

Herefordshire and town councillor Bernard Hunt also condemned the vandalism.

He said: "I think it's an utter disgrace that anyone should want to ruin such a lovely little lawn."

"It shows an absolute disregard for public space."

He said the incident was particularly offensive because a memorial to the victims of the Korean War was situated on the lawn, although this was not damaged.

Graham Perkins, a resident of nearby Cruxwell Street, inspected the damage with Coun Hunt.

"The lawn is quite badly damaged and obviously it will take a long time to repair," he said.

Coun Briggs said the land was owned by Herefordshire Council, which had been told of the damage.

The incident has also been reported to police but the culprits have not been found. Anyone with information about the incident should call the police 08457 444888.