Play equipment latest to be targeted by vandals

VANDALS have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to new play equipment in Alcester, only two months after it was installed.

The play equipment in Moorfields Park has been repeatedly attacked since it was installed, with sections of the surfacing ripped up and a number of fires started causing damage to the equipment and nearby bins.

The latest attack, overnight on Monday, 23rd May, focused on the park’s new swings, which included one that is suitable for children with disabilities.

The swing, costing £14,000, had itself been installed very recently to replace another that had been badly vandalised. It was taken away this week for the damage to be assessed.

Jen Goodhand, whose son Oscar uses the play park, said: “Me and the kids are heartbroken. Oscar is really sad about what has happened, he just can’t understand it, he doesn’t know why people do nasty things.

“Oscar had had open heart surgery, he has problems with co-ordination and has weak core muscles, it is so sad that the nearest thing Alcester has to an accessible swing has been damaged like this.

“What we need is something we just don’t have anymore — an active police force. “Last year the old Scout hut at the Greig Hall was burned down and there was also a fire at the old school.

“It’s coming up to that time of year when older youngsters are going to be staying out later and I would say that any parent who thinks their son or daughter has been out starting fires should report them to the police.

“The council have pumped a lot of money into facilities for young people, such as the skate park, but if vandalism like this continues you can see why they wouldn’t want to bother.”

Twelve-year-old Annie Morrison added: “I have lived in Alcester all my life and when I heard about this I was upset. I loved the new equipment and the thought of someone ruining something that lots of people have worked hard for is disgraceful.

“I do not see a reason for this behaviour and I think that whoever has done this should be ashamed, as they have spoiled a nice children’s area.

“I’m very excited for the new skate park and I’m sure I speak for nearly all the children in Alcester.

“I ask the people who have done this to stop and not destroy any more things that are made to be enjoyed by children across the town.”

Arson is becoming a concern in Alcester following a string of incidents at the end of last year.

Jim Kenyon, chairman of the Facilities Committee at Alcester Town Council, said: “After listening to our residents, the Facilities Committee have worked very hard over the last year to improve the play areas and equipment within the town, so that the young can enjoy safe play in the open spaces available, resulting in new equipment, surfacing and a new skate-park.

“It is very disheartening to see these acts of vandalism which spoil these areas for all.

“I would like to appeal to all residents young or old, if you see any misuse or bad behaviour in our play areas please report it to the police.”

A Warwickshire County Council spokesperson said: “The Anti-Social Behaviour Intervention Team will be out in Alcester and the surrounding villages at key times during the school summer holidays and consideration will be given to earlier deployment if needed.

"Anyone with information should call the police on 101 and quote incident number 78 of the 26th."