A Toxteth teen who fundraised to build a community garden on fly tipped land is upset after many of the plants were stolen.
Khan Odita has had his GCSE exams disrupted by a thief who stole many of the plants from the Urban Scape community garden he worked hard to create. The thief struck on Friday May 19 and made several trips to take the plants.
The Urban Scape community garden opened on April 6 with the regions Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram cutting the ribbon accompanied by Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Roy Gladden. They were joined by community members and groups at the opening event.
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Khan, told the ECHO: "I suppose it's not shocking that this can happen as there is always someone who has ill intent. But this whole project has been about building trust with the community and on the whole we have done that.
"Also it has been heartening with the response from people with kindness and donations of support. We will keep moving forward with good pace and community spirit.”
Khan was returning home from school on Friday and whilst driving past UrbanScape with his nan he noticed that the plants looked a little sparse. The theft was reported at Admiral Street police station and it's understood there is CCTV footage of the theft.
Natasha Odita, Khan's mum said: "The upsetting thing was Khan refused to lock the garden or install CCTV as he was entrusting the community to take ownership, maintain and safeguard it. Now this has to be rethought.
"This is so disheartening. He's dedicated two years of his life to get this garden built, but Khan is determined to build back bigger and better."
Genna Dhalie, Director of Mulgrave Street Action Group added: "Some of the plants were not that old and easier to take. Khan is focused on getting more mature plants in the garden to make theft more difficult".
The 15 year old set up Mulgrave Street Action Group aged 14 (MSAG) during his 2021 school summer holidays to deliver projects building community cohesion. Khan hopes to run educational and upskilling programmes at the garden once he finishes his GCSE exams as he is currently in their second week.
A fundraising JustGiving page for plants and CCTV cameras has been set up. Many people commented on the MSAG Facebook page offering support, sharing their anger and also pictures of them and family members enjoying the space.
Jee Jetter said: “This is unbelievable and unacceptable how someone can try to destroy something that can only bring joy to the community".
Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm we received a report of a theft of plants at a community garden on Mulgrave Street on Friday 19 May. We believe the incident occurred around 1.30am.
"If you live in the area and have any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage showing anything suspicious, or if you have any information about this incident, please DM our social media desk on Twitter @Merseypolice, or Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' quoting reference 23000426254. Alternatively you can call the independent @CrimestoppersUK hotline anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For information on how to donate visit JustGiving HERE.
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