AN INTERNATIONAL showjumper has spoken of the shocking moment he discovered a brick had been hurled through his pickup truck’s window, claiming it was wrapped in a message protesting against plans for an indoor horse arena.

As reported, an application to build an equestrian centre in Foxes Lane, West Wellow, whipped up more than 120 objections and 26 letters of support after the plans were submitted to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) by Blackwater Equestrian.

Some residents objected to the proposals fearing the building would tower over the area, but supporters say it will help charity work with disabled children and a local business.

Now, police officers are investigating after they were alerted on Saturday to a brick that came smashing through the back window of a Nissan Navara in Foxes Lane.

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It is believed the damage was caused between October 1 and November 22.

READ: Plans for indoor horse arena near Romsey are deferred >>>

One of the owners of Blackwater Equestrian, Mark Hallion, said he realised his window had been vandalised after their company vehicle was driven around Salisbury, Wellow and Romsey over two days.

The 57-year-old said: “As I entered the driveway I thought ‘what has happened to the back window’? I went to have a look and thought ‘my God, it’s broken’ and someone had obviously chucked the brick through the rear passenger window.

“The brick was wrapped up in a brown paper bag that looked like someone had bought their lunch in and used a biro pen to write ‘no to the indoor building’ on it.

“I thought it was probably someone who was being very stupid and had too much to drink, as it was in a place where they thought they wouldn’t be seen.

“My wife, Claire, just said ‘what an idiot’ when she found out what happened.”

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Mark said he has now repositioned cameras on the site in a bid to catch any future criminals red-handed.

READ: Plans for indoor horse arena for Blackwater Equestrian near Romsey could be approved >>>

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said anyone with information on the incident is asked to phone 101 with the reference 44200451865.

When asked what the indoor horse arena could offer the community if it is approved by TVBC, Mark said they could work more with the Riding for the Disabled Association and would not have to worry about sessions being cancelled due to poor weather.

He said: “The important thing here is the riding for the disabled and if anyone has doubts about that then they can come and see these children on a Tuesday.

“Through the winter it will rain a lot and the indoor centre means they can do this all year round.

“I just think people need to look at it like that and not be so negative about it because we want to expand our business.”