The bus stop at Pinfold Lane, Boulder Clough, Sowerby, had been transformed into a garden by the residents who raised £600 for the project.

But yobs targeted the pretty site, wrenching plant pots from fittings, destroying trellises and smashing windows. The hand-made wooden benches were also broken in the attack.

Michael Lynch, 65, who landscaped the site five years ago along with neighbour Ralph Little, regularly tends it.

"It was such a mess and after all the work we have put in, this systematic destruction is terrible to see," said Mr Lynch.

"Some things had been ripped off already, but that night they just tore it apart.

"When I saw the shelter there were vodka bottles left behind and everything was ruined.

"We will just have to burn the broken trellises and benches now.

"I don't know why anybody would do something like this."

Cornelius Daly, who has lived in the village for 46 years, said: "We all raised the money and put the garden together to make it look lovely.

"What has happened is just heart-breaking."

Resident Gillian Fawcett said: "It is very disheartening. Over the years we have all pitched in to make the shelter a community space and it has just been ruined.

"It makes you very angry."

The vandalism happened on Saturday, September 27, and residents said on the night of the damage, they saw groups of teenagers pouring through the village heading to a nearby rave and bonfire.

One engine from Halifax fire station was called to the bonfire at around 10pm but returned without taking any action.