CITY centre gardens have been left in a "horrific state" after an apparent act of vandalism.

Old Steine Gardens in Brighton had plants ripped up and discarded, with some strewn across the pavement, and fencing pulled from the ground and thrown around.

Gary Farmer, founder of the Old Steine Community Association, a residents' group, said when he saw the state of the place he was left with "a feeling of revulsion mixed with a numbing inevitability reflective of the systematic neglect that the area has been victim to from an uncaring council".

Mr Farmer has previously criticised Brighton and Hove City Council for not doing more to maintain the gardens after a Christmas Festival turned the site into a "quagmire of mud".

He has also raised concerns about the appearance of a sinkhole there.

Mr Farmer said: "The abandoned, dilapidated and vandalised gardens are undervalued and disregarded by the current administration, which is yet again proven with inaction and ignorance.

"Visitors and residents are faced with a blighted landscape projecting an image of a city that cares little about its heritage, mistreats its monuments and has no respect or pride in itself.

"The council have done little if anything to protect the urban environment and legacy of Brighton and Hove.

"Only when faced with the anger of local residents and businesses has there been any response, which is often merely placatory and without action."

In an email to City Parks and councillors, seen by The Argus, Mr Farmer said the gardens had been left in a "horrific state" and have become a "wasteland".

He said: "The state of the area has led to further damage, neglect of the city centre leads to further vandalism and antisocial behaviour as it is seen as a norm for the area to be treated with disrespect leading to further criminal damage."

A spokesman for the council said it was "appalled by the mindless vandalism".

He said: "We were in contact with the police to provide a cost for the damage caused. This followed advice from the police that they had arrested a suspect.

"We work closely with the police to address antisocial behaviour in the city, and we’re grateful to them for their very quick work on this.

"We are currently co-ordinating landscaping repair and re-grassing works along Valley Gardens, including Old Steine Gardens.

"Through our Valley Gardens 3 project the council will improve Victoria Gardens in the long term.

"We are confident the improvements will match those with the new park, planting and trees delivered through Valley Gardens 1 and 2."

Sussex Police have been approached for comment.

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