Norwich's Castle Gardens open air theatre has seats torn out

Castle Gardens' Whiffler Theatre has seen the large planks of wood which make up its benches torn out, with yobs also tagging the surrounding bricks.

Damage to benches in Castle Garden (Image: Newsquest)

It comes after city police increased patrols in the area after persistent reports of anti-social behaviour and drug offences in the dry moat of Norwich Castle.

Since vandals struck, the seating area has been fenced off while officials deal with the damage.

The section of seating has been fenced off (Image: Newsquest)

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It comes after the Fine City saw a 10pc rise in anti-social behaviour over the past year, with councillors blaming a lack of opportunities for young people.

In the area surrounding the castle, nine crimes were reported during April, prompting city folk to ask police to focus on the issue, with the majority of crimes being drug offences.

Large planks have been ripped up (Image: Newsquest)

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Discarded needles and drug paraphernalia can often be seen littering the floor in the gardens.

The Whiffler Theatre was built by the Evening News and donated to the city in 1982, to mark the newspaper's 100th year.

The city council has previously said that work to rejuvenate the theatre is planned and is likely to coincide with the conclusion of repairs to the castle keep.