A COMMUNITY is trying to raise thousands of pounds to rebuild a shop which was raided and burnt down by vandals.

Arsonists targeted the store at the Gaynes Park Allotments, in Manners Way, Southend, overnight earlier this month. The building, based on land owned by Southend Council, was so badly damaged that is has been deemed beyond repair.

Allotment holders are now trying to raise £5,000 to replace the building, which sold seeds, gardening equipment and produce grown on the site. It also acted as a meeting place.

Volunteer site manager Ray How, 67, said: “The insurance company are sorting out the stock we lost but the council are arguing over whether to replace the building or not so at this rate we won’t have it back for summer.

“We can’t not have a space for our members to get together and buy stock for their allotments. They have nowhere.

“The reaction from the community has ranged from absolutely sickened to outraged.

“The hub was our only means of income so it also means we have nowhere to sell the supplies or refreshments from.”

Police ruled the incident as arson. Despite an appeal for information, no arrests have been made.

The allotment holders are calling on donations for a raffle, which they hope will boost their fundraising efforts.

Mr How added: “I know £5,000 a lot of money so anything towards that would help. We are appealing to local businesses to get in touch and offer raffle prizes or help in any way they can.

“Everybody keeps coming up to us and asking when we can get it back and how they can help.

“It’s very frustrating not having a central space where we can all get together.”

Anyone who can help with the cost of a new community building can contact Mr How via gpmwallotments.co.uk. The group are hoping to set up an official fundraising page soon.

The Echo contacted Southend Council for comment about the rebuild but did not receive a response before going to print.

Anyone with information about the arson attack, which took place on Sunday, March 15, can call police in Southend on 101. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org