TOOLS were stolen for the second time from a Salisbury community farm last week.

On Friday (October 12) a range of equipment from Able Hands Together was taken, the therapeutic farming service based at River Bourne Community Farm.

Batteries used to power the electrical fence, worth more than £100 each, a heavy duty wheelbarrow, and a recently purchased retractable hose were stolen from the site in Laverstock.

The farm was also burgled three months ago when an axe and small bag of tools were stolen, and further security measures have now been put in place.

Founder of the project, Laura Tween, felt the second burglary had caused "sadness around the farm" but the team are "slowly getting back on [their] feet", adding: "You give to the community and some people just take, we're now just trying to manage with what we've got."

Launched in 2016, Able Hands Together is a service ran at the farm, encouraging adults with learning disabilities to get involved with farm work to aid independence, improve mental wellbeing and learn new and transferable skills.

Nic Shears-White, one of the newer members of the support worker team, described the farm as "tranquil" and "therapeutic" for clients, adding: "They [co-farmers] work so hard and gain so much from it, it must be the first farm in Salisbury with this kind of purpose.

"This has had such an impact on them, it's deflating."

Support worker Carl Anderson added: "We didn't think this would happen again."

A Justgiving page was set up following this second incident to help the farm recover and restore what was lost, with more than £500 already raised.

Laura added: "There are more kind people than unkind, the community are really pulling together to help."

Call police on 101 quoting reference number 54180097865 if you have further information.

For more information about the company and to donate visit the farm's Justgiving page.