FOLLOWING a spate of vicious attacks on greenhouses and beehives, allotment members are working to restore their beloved site to its former glory.

The members of the Harpers Lane Allotment Society held a fundraiser yesterday afternoon at the site. The team of volunteers were hoping to gather as much money as possible to put to improving and repairing the plots that were damaged last year.

Around 50,000 bees were brutally killed after arsonists destroyed their hives on the allotment in November.

Five hives, which had been cultivated over four years, were burnt to the ground by vandals who rolled tyres under the hives to set them alight.

The attack was one of a spate late last year, which also saw repeated break ins and vandals setting fire to a shed and a greenhouse on the allotments, destroying 20 years of work.

Allotment chairlady Joanne Atherton, 55, said: "Volunteers from the allotments have put this day together. It's to raise money to make improvement, we used last year's money to plant hedges around the most vulnerable plots."

The attacks have been so extreme that they have even driven away one member of the group.

Ms Atherton added that he funds will go to making up for physical losses as well as bringing the gardening community closer together in the wake of the attacks.

The group would like to use the money for a social barbecue and a trip to a flower show if they raise enough.

She said: "The lady who owned the bees feels ill every time she comes here and has decided to give up. People are still downhearted from all the problems. You work hard and some one comes and vandalises it. It makes you wonder why you bother."

In an attempt to lift the spirits, the group gathered together yesterday for food, plant pot painting and games for the children, enjoying the sunny weather.

The plot areas are owned by Bolton Council and plot holders pay a small yearly rent. Some families have been growing vegetables for generations, according to the group.

The society's next event will be the annual Summer festival and produce show on the first Sunday in September.