PARLIAMENTARY candidate Richard Drax was on the campaign trail when he witnessed a vandal ripping up flowers from Portland’s Easton Gardens.

Mr Drax, the Conservative candidate for South Dorset, was canvassing for votes in Easton Square when he witnessed the incident in the showpiece gardens.

The gardens have had a major overhaul in recent years, led by the Easton Community Group, including new signs, plants, and play equipment.

Mr Drax said it made him angry to see a teenager ruining their hard work. He said: “I know how much Easton Square means to everybody because I have been involved with those who have made those gardens look so stunning.”

He was with driver Andy Prowse and called the police when he saw the incident yesterday morning.

“We were campaigning and parked up in Easton Square to talk to everybody and I saw a boy ripping out some flowers,” he said.

“It makes me very angry because I know how much time, trouble and effort everyone has put in, so this was rather sad to see.”

Dorset Police confirmed a 14-year-old boy from Weymouth was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage following a report of anti-social behaviour.

Mayor of Portland Richard Paisley, who lives in nearby Clarence Road, has condemned the vandalism. He said: “We are going to get incidents with youngsters pulling up flowers, disrespecting the area, drinkers, but since the cameras have been up the incidents have dropped dramatically.

“It sends a message they are being watched, the gardens are being looked after and that sort of behaviour won’t be tolerated.”