A SPIKE in the number of serious vandalism attacks targeting sculptures along the Cotswold Hare Trail, has prompted its founder and artists to speak out.

Since the trail was introduced in 2014, a small number of incidents of mindless vandalism have taken place, but in recent weeks the nature of attacks has significantly worsened.

During the past month, Fairford’s beloved hare was deliberately smashed to pieces by a car and the hare in Watermoor, Cirencester, was damaged after being struck with such force that it was pushed onto its side.

The attacks have moved trail founder Florence Beetlestone to call for a concerted effort to ensure the care, protection and management of the trail.

She wants to see a group set up involving the council, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and the Cotswolds Hare Trail Committee, to review the best way forward.

Florence has also called for all current damage to hares to be repaired as a matter of priority, sources of funding identified for the upkeep of the hares and people nearby identified as hare guardians.

Charmaine King is one of those on the trail to have experienced damage to her creation.

She said: “I believe my hare was attacked twice and whoever it was, seemed extremely determined to ruin him.

“I feel very sad, having spent so many careful hours decorating the hares, you can’t help but get attached as you breath life into the sculpture.

"I must have spent about 90 hours on the piece.

“It’s a shame after everyone’s endeavours, but I am not sure how they can all be protected. If people are determined, they will find a way to spoil the hares.”

A spokesman for Cirencester Town Council said: “Whilst this is a CCDT led initiative delivered by the GWT, it was done so with the support of the town council and as such, where possible, we have always sought to make safe and repair the hares.”