A SPATE of vandalism to a town’s Christmas lights and war memorial has been described as disgusting by a charity which funds the lights – and could spell the end of the festive decorations for good.

Christmas lights in Richmond’s Friary Gardens were illuminated on Friday (November 28) but have already been targeted three times.

On Sunday night vandals uprooted large lit-up Christmas characters, attempted to push over the Christmas tree, and Remembrance wreaths and crosses were thrown around the gardens.

The lights are funded by Richmond Duck Club – a charity which raises money to help children and youth groups in Richmondshire – and also supported by Richmond Rotary Club and Richmond Town Council.

Duck Club president Bob Chandler said he was disgusted by the attack and said the club now had to seriously consider whether it was able to continue to provide funding for the lights.

He said: “The lights were only switched on on Friday and have been damaged three times.

“The attack on Sunday left fuse boxes ripped out of the ground, which will cost around £800 to repair.

“We are even questioning whether or not to turn them back on this year, and we will be discussing the future of the lights.

“Last year we had to spend £1,500 repairing vandalised lights and we can’t continue to do it.”

He added: “I have been a member of Richmond Duck Club for 50 years and our aim is to give grants to clubs, teams and individuals, for whatever children might need.

“We don’t want to continue to spend money on the Christmas lights – it does get very disheartening and it is so unfair on the people of Richmond who enjoy the lights.”

Richmond Mayor Councillor Clive World said: “It’s sickening.

“We must remember that this vandalism was carried out by a very small minority of people and I hope police are able to catch them and name and shame them.

“It is very sad to think that just weeks ago there were hundreds of people in and around the Friary Gardens commemorating Remembrance Sunday, paying respect to those who have died in conflict for us, and now the wreaths and crosses have been thrown around the gardens with no respect at all.

“The families of those who did this will be disgusted at the behaviour.”

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information about the vandalism on 101, option two, and ask for Richmond Police.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.