CRUEL vandals destroyed a new attraction in Priory Park created by Southend’s youth council ahead of the half-term school holidays.

A large lavender maze, which is designed to help people relax and meditate, was installed by the team earlier this month and was due to be showcased at the park’s free environmental day event on Wednesday.

However, the maze was destroyed by vandals just days after being installed and now the youth council have been working daily to restore it to its former glory in time for the event.

It comes just a month after a statue of leading Southend philanthropist R A Jones, created by Westcliff artist Dave Taylor, was vandalised days after being installed.

Noel Biju, former youth council environment officer and project lead for the maze, said: “I am devastated that something so helpful to the environment and to others could be destroyed.

“We will do everything in our power so that the maze will be regenerated.”

Environmental day, an event giving the community a chance to get involved in a range of activities, such as nature walks and wildflower planting, was proposed by Mr Biju to help tackle climate change and provide space for young people to promote positive health and well-being in the city.

Meg Davidson, deputy leader and councillor responsible for environment, said: “It is with the greatest sadness that we will not be able to experience the lavender maze in its completed form, and I absolutely condemn the behaviour of the vandals who have destroyed something so valuable to the park.”

Despite the damage to the lavender maze, Ms Davidson is “confident” that the event will still be “marvellous”, and she encourages people to attend.

She added: “It’s a great opportunity to take your family and teach them about the importance of being environmentally friendly and get involved with some wildflower planting and fun activities.”

The special event starts at the Priory Park main events field at 11am.

For more information, please visit the Southend Parks Facebook page.