That is the question furious residents in two Boothtown roads are asking themselves.

For five years they have tended and nurtured their community garden, taking great pride in their achievements.

An area of rough land transformed into one of Pennine Housing's award-winning plots.

A soothing place where manicured lawns, shrubs and flower beds sit easy on the eye and give locals a retreat from the hustle of every day life.

No wonder they call it their "oasis".

So why would someone commit such a wanton act of destruction?

Especially at a pivotal time of year in the gardening calendar.

When the chill winds of winter give way to a gentler, more southerly airflow and all the hard work of autumn and the cold months comes to fruition.

There can only be two possible explanations. Someone who is holding a grudge and is envious of what has been achieved.

Or, equally likely, kids with nothing better to do than wreck other people's enjoyment.

Either way, it was a mean and cruel thing to do and those who did it need to be caught.

A stint of community service, repairing the damage they have caused, would perhaps make them see the errors of their ways .