Man charged with vandalism of Dereham Queen Mother's Garden

The Queen Mother's Garden in Dereham saw three of its benches damaged during what was described as a "reckless" attack in March. 

The garden was refurbished just two years ago with wheelchair-friendly paths, sensory planting areas and new picnic benches. New CCTV and security gates were also installed to combat anti-social behaviour issues.One of the damaged benches (Image: Breckland Council) The award-winning regeneration of the Queen Mother's Garden took place over three-and-a-half months and was a collaborative project between Breckland Council and Dereham Town Council.

Harry Clarke, leader of the Labour Group at Breckland Council, criticised the "wanton vandalism" following the incident in March, which rendered one of the benches unusable.

"It’s fortunate that our town and district councils foresaw the need for enhanced security in the garden," he added.

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The garden was first opened by the Queen Mother herself in 1983 (Image: Archant) The garden, which has been described by councillors as the 'jewel in the crown' of Dereham town centre, was first opened by the Queen Mother herself in 1983.

The benches were added as part of project to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year in 2022 but had to be repaired after they appeared to have been kicked repeatedly. 

Joshua Wright, of Colleen Close in Dereham, has been charged with criminal damage and will appear at King's Lynn Magistrates' Court on October 30.