“WE will not let the vandals win,” is the defiant message after yobs uprooted plants around Acomb Green and threw them into the road.

The incident, which is believed to have happened late on Tuesday or in the early hours of Wednesday, saw vandals target a stone trough at the side of the green which had been planted with flowers and was maintained by Acomb residents.

Russell Stone, City of York Council’s head of Neighbourhood Pride Service, said: “We planted this up last year as part of our In Bloom entry, at the request of residents.

“They were spring-flowering plants and the cost for the site is about £10 or £15, so you’re not talking about a massive amount of money, but it’s the effect it has on local morale.

“We will replant it soon, because we are not going to let the vandals win.”

The trough was completely emptied in the attack and the flowers, which were watered by residents, left trampled on the ground.

Coun Andrew Waller, the leader of City of York Council and a member for the Westfield ward, said: “It’s disappointing when things like that happen and if residents are aware of who did this they should contact the police.

A spokesman for York Police said: “This is just wanton vandalism and a blight on the community and we won’t let people get away with this sort of thing.

“It may appear small, but it brings communities down. People put effort in to make these places look nice and then this happens.”

The latest attack comes after thieves stole a flower planter in the village of Bishopthorpe on the day In Bloom judges were due to visit.

The planter, like the stone trough at Acomb Green, was paid for by the council.

If you have any information on either incident, phone York Police on 0845 6060247.