Scarecrows and pumpkins ruined in 'disgusting' vandalism in Rainford

A number of residents posted online that a group of lads were roaming the village over the weekend, leaving the remains of smashed scarecrows and pumpkins in their wake.

While residents are aware the vandalism is not major criminal damage, there is an air of both anger and sadness that anyone would ruin the hard work of children and families on their proud designs.

Part of Spongebob's creation, which was wrecked in Elaine's front garden

One Rainford resident, Elaine Jones, explained that her grandchildren's pumpkins were smashed up on Saturday night, before their scarecrow was similarly ruined the following night.

Elaine, whose design was registered for the town's Scarecrow Festival, said: "My 3-and-7-year-old grandsons put a lot of time and effort into making [the pumpkins and scarecrow] and it's hard to explain to them why people can be so mean.

"Unfortunately we will have to withdraw our entry now as the thought of someone coming up my path again makes me sick. I live on my own with the boys and this is worrying, mindless vandalism. Not to mention trespass, theft and criminal damage."

Elaine's grandsons Spongebob Scarecrow before the vandalism

After spending quality time with her grandsons at Rainford Christmas Tree's pumpkin patch where the trio picked and carved their own designs, Elaine said she has had to throw the pumpkins away and tell the youngsters the bad weather had rotted it away.

She had to tell a similar white lie to her grandsons after their proud Spongebob Squarepants Scarecrow - which was created to raise money for Willowbrook Hospice and the Standing Tall Foundation - was strewn across her garden, neighbours garden and the street.

Elaine added: "I moved out of Liverpool thinking Rainford was a really nice area. But this has been a bit of a learning curve that things like this can happen everywhere."

Another Rainford resident, Chloe Bingham also spoke of similar occurrence on Lathom Drive, where a pumpkin created by a child her mum looks after was smashed to pieces.

Explaining that the child has additional needs, Chloe said her carving design took her a long time and was "so proud of it", yet the family awoke to the pumpkin smashed in the middle of the road.

The pumpkin designs made by Chloe Bingham and the child her mum looks after

Chloe said: "[I] really hope someone catches them as it's just scary that they've been that close to our front door.

"Yes it's only £4, but now we've either got to do them again or explain to a child that someone has smashed them. Either way it's disgusting. Especially after the year we've all had, they should know better."

Pumpkins photographed on Cross Pit Lane after being smashed from front gardens

Other instances of the vandalism were highlighted in the area, with a number of pumpkins smashed on Cross Pit Lane and another scarecrow being torn apart at Rainford's Village Hall.

Reporting the vandalism to Merseyside Police online to warn others, Elaine added that she understands this is not a priority for the force, yet it is a concern for residents who now don't feel as safe in their own homes.