Vandals have struck at three of the Town Council’s playgrounds over the last week, causing over £10,000
worth of damage, as well as considerable damage to the Town’s Bowling Green’s at Alkincoates Park.
The police have been informed about each incident and are increasing their out of hours patrols to playgrounds.
Colne Town Council’s Town Clerk, Naomi Crewe, explained, “I am appalled at the damage inflicted on our
playgrounds. To put this into perspective, £10,000 is the equivalent of the 176 average Colne households’
annual precept payment – or the collective annual payments of one of the town’s prominent roads.
What a total waste of money!”
The damage at King George V Playground is to the rubberised ground covering which has been sliced and
pulled up and was being thrown around by the youths involved. This playground has now had to be closed
until the playground improvement project starts at the end of the month.
At the Waterside play areas, one had more than 30 support posts ripped out and snapped making it
unsafe to be used. The Waterside playground has also had the zipwire seat pulled off.
The damage to the Philip Wright Crown Green Bowling Academy was caused by children taking
rocks out of the rockery and throwing them repeatedly onto the green. These greens are an asset to Colne
and are managed by a small, very dedicated team. It is heart-breaking that children would do this. The
incident was caught on CCTV and this matter is now being taken forward by the Police.
“We do not want to be forced to close any playgrounds, especially with the upcoming playground
development project starting at the end of the month. The project is seeing Colne Town Council invest over
£190,000 into these wonderful facilities within Colne , but the truth is we cannot continue to bear this level
of expenditure at a time of constrained budgets,” said Naomi Crewe.
“We are asking that people take photographs if they see vandalism taking place, report any damage to the Police immediately, so the Police can attempt to catch the perpetrators and remuneration can be sought.
The number to call is 01282 861888 or email [email protected]
Spate of Vandalism to Colne’s Facilities
