VANDALS have struck at three of the Town Council’s playgrounds, causing £10,000 worth of damage in the last month alone. The Police have been informed about each incident and are increasing their out of hours patrols to playgrounds.
Colne Town Council’s Administration and Events Manager, Naomi Crewe, explained: “I am appalled at the damage inflicted on our playgrounds. To put this in 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. The repair costs are estimated to be £3,330.
At The Millennium Green Playground, the gate has been repeatedly bent the wrong way, with an estimated £600 repair being required. In addition, the swing has been damaged, so it can no longer be used. To repair the swing will cost over £1,000.
The rubber crumb safety matting has again been the target of vandals at The Waterside Play Area. Such is the extent of the damage, that the repair is estimated to cost £3,285.
“We do not want to be forced to close any playgrounds, 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 and report any damage to us immediately, so the Police can attempt to catch the perpetrators. The number to call is 01282 861888 and my e-mail is [email protected].”
