A STATUE that was destroyed in a local community garden has spurred local councillors into action.

The elephant at St John’s Garden, on Barnsley Road, Cudworth, was reported as damaged to the sector specialist at Barnsley Arts, Museums and Archives, Gaby Lees.

Council leader Sir Steve Houghton told the Chronicle he was ‘very upset’ that the elephant had been broken and the team will now work towards repairing it.

“If anyone has any information about the perpetrators, please come forward,” he said.

“We will also review the CCTV footage to try and identify them.

“St John’s Garden is a well-liked and used area which helps Cudworth to look its best and we will make sure it continues to do so.”

Coun Joe Hayward, who represents the Cudworth ward, added: “Once again malicious damage has been done to deprive those who enjoyed the elephant on view at St John’s Garden.

“This follows on from the children’s climbing frame which was burnt to the ground in Cudworth Park not long ago.

“The terrible thing is that they keep getting away with it.”