VANDALS and thieves have targeted a community garden that was the brainchild of a campaigning wheelchair-bound stroke victim - just days after it was completed.

George Potten let out a despondent sigh as he spoke about the culprits who have vandalised and stolen from the octopus-shaped garden in Popley, Basingstoke, which he started planning in 1997.

"Words cannot really describe what these people are like," said George.

"They are absolutely pathetic. It's annoying when you do something to help an area and some mindless thugs come along and ruin it."

The garden has been built on a square in Popley between Dryden Close, where George lives, and Chaucer Close.

Since it was finished just over a week ago, thieves have stolen a dozen plants and shrubs, yobs have tossed a shopping trolley into the flower beds and dogs have been allowed to foul on the garden.

Popley borough councillor Jane Frankum is outraged by the damage to the garden.

"I think it's absolutely senseless," she said.

"I am appalled and devastated for George and the other residents because I know how much work they put into it."

Residents backed George, 55, who was forced into retirement after suffering a stroke, when he campaigned for a council grant to help fund the garden for which he had dreamt up the idea.

A £15,000 sum was awarded in July last year and work started on the site in mid-February.

Local people believe it is being targeted by youths who used to cause a nuisance playing football and riding bikes late at night.

Marleeta White, 23, who lives in Chaucer Close, said: "The kids around here are really naughty. They just do it to annoy people.

"I think it's disgusting but you can't keep an eye on the garden 24 hours a day.

"I feel very sorry for George because he tried really hard but there's not a lot he can do."

Dexter White, Marleeta's 49-year-old father who also lives in Chaucer Close, said: "You'd think people would aspire to creating this garden rather than vandalising it."

Much of the damage has now been repaired.

Anyone with information about who is vandalising, or stealing from, the comm-unity garden should contact Basingstoke police on 0845 045 45 45 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.