Mindless yobs set fire to a container and other items on the site, destroying any chance locals at Milton Community Garden had of saving the equipment.

As reported in the Evening Times earlier this month, a greenhouse, plants, decking and the container – which was used as a shelter by volunteers and which housed equipment including a mower, strimmer, boots and waterproofs – went up in flames.

Residents had hoped they would be able to repair the container, but now a second fire, which police are probing, has made this impossible.

Linda Bell, chairwoman of Evening Times Community Champion finalists of Love Milton which uses the garden, said: "This time we can't fix it - everything is ready to cave in now. I feel really disgusted."

Linda said the cost of repairs would run to thousands of pounds, but they hoped local companies and individuals would come forward to help restore the place.

The garden had produced potatoes, herbs and tomatoes and luckily most of this had already been donated to local primary schools, sheltered housing and local residents.

Young men from the North Glasgow Community Food Initiative, which encourages people to get involved in growing food and eating healthily, have worked on the garden for two years.

The groups had built a pond and planned seating and a play area for local children.

Linda, 50, said: "We are going to get started back in the garden as soon as we can.

"Glasgow Housing Association has helped clear up the mess - they did a fantastic job.

"We are going to try and get help from anyone, get a container and get the facility back up and running.

"We are appealing for anybody to give anything they can - it would be appreciated."

Frankie Fox, GHA's Housing Manager for the area, said the group will be buying garden tools and equipment to help locals fix up the garden.

He added: "The Love Milton group does a lot of good work in the area and we were delighted to help when the community garden was damaged.

"Our environmental wardens and the community janitors cut the grass and cleared away the fire debris."

Scott Kennedy, station commander at Springburn Fire Station, said he had a arranged a meeting with the people from the garden and police.

He said: "I will work with the police and the community in a bid to reduce the number of fires in the area.

"We are going to see what we can do to help assist the community garden and give them advice."

Anyone who can help should call 558 2500 or e-mail gardens@ngcfi.org.uk

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk