THUGS smashed up allotments and sheds as they went on a drunken rampage.

THUGS smashed up allotments and sheds as they went on a drunken rampage.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused and almost 40 sheds damaged during the wrecking spree in Clydebank.

The news comes after Wednesday's Evening Times reported similar attacks in the South Side at Mansewood Allotments, where vandals have trashed plots 25 times - causing £5000 worth of damage.

Bannerman Street Plotholders' Association also had their main meeting hut trashed.

While no-one was hurt, three huts were set on fire and plotholders have been left devastated. Retired electrician Bobby Paterson, 78, who has kept a plot at the site for more than 50 years, was sickened by the damage after thugs smashed open padlocks and stole small hand tools.

He said: "They had some of the huts on fire and they smashed the others. There's almost 40 huts and nearly every hut was damaged. Why they did it I have no idea.

"One of the huts was completely burnt and the main hut where we hold out meetings was almost demolished. We had just put a new roof on it and they smashed it all."

Alistair Macdonald, Lord Provost of West Dunbartonshire Council, offered to help out the Clydebank gardeners after hearing of their plight.

The councillor secured a £2500 grant from the Alexander Cross Cameron Trust.

Councillor Macdonald, who will retire after the election said: "It's a significant amount which they can use for repairs. It's up to them how they spend it."

Andy Wright, 62, who has held a plot for around four years, discovered the damage and contacted the police.

He said: "It was a lovely gesture by the provost.

"It will be great to be able to get the place back to the way it was and maybe even a bit better."

The Clydebank attack - which took place last month - echoes the vandalism at Mansewood Allotments. Gardeners there have been forced to raise cash to install various security measures.