Just as Stone Henge tells a story of the past, the new sand blasted stones at Needham Lake told a nature story of today. However, due to careless vandalism, they will not be enjoyed by visitors to Needham Lake.

SSC, a local company, had gifted this unusual piece of work to the local community and Mid Suffolk Discovery Project’s Aggregates Trail.

Carrie Bewick, Discovery Project Officer said “This piece of art was an excellent, and generous, addition to our Aggregates Trail Project, bringing a tactile, modern twist to the story we have told about the aggregates industry and landscape in the Gipping Valley. Mid Suffolk’s Countryside Team works hard at Needham Lake, and across the district, to provide an enjoyable and informative experience for the many visitors we receive every year and it is very disheartening when vandalism like this occurs.”

Diana Kearsley, Mid Suffolk District Council Portfolio Holder, summed up the views of many "Words fail me really, I am appalled by this demonstration of ignorance and selfishness by a small group who clearly have little respect for anything. The Mid Suffolk Countryside Team has provided a wonderful trail through the Gipping area and this piece of sculpture was to be the final contribution, given generously by SSC."

Lorraine from SSC says “We wanted to put something back into the community that our family is now part of and show locally what we believed to be countryside interpretation of the future. There are no language barriers as using mainly pictures everyone’s interest is immediately stimulated. During installation there were only good comments from passers by and great enthusiasm from toddlers and children, who the piece is primarily aimed at. On Monday (11 May) we were due to meet with local Councillor and Portfolio Holder for Cultural and Community Services, Diana Kearsley and Carrie Bewick, Discovery Project Officer, from Mid Suffolk District Council, to hand over the artwork to the local community. Unfortunately the meeting had to be cancelled due to vandalism to the artwork overnight. Vandals have destroyed this gift that was being enjoyed by young and old alike, through a selfish act of destruction caused by - Anger? Frustration? Or was it just for fun? Who knows? We will not be defeated and we plan to replace the stones with an alternative piece of work.”

Anyone who has information about the vandalism is urged to contact Suffolk Police on 01473 615300.

-ENDS-

Media contact:

Vicky Smy, Senior Communications Officer, telephone: 01449 724850, email: vicky.smy@midsuffolk.gov.uk