COUNCIL chiefs will work with police to find new ways of cracking down on vandalism in Vale parks after mindless vandals slashed the safety straps of a swing for disabled youngsters.
The Observer reported last week (July 28) on the damaged caused by vandals to the inclusive play equipment on Crown Meadow.
Their destruction provoked an outpouring of anger from town residents including campaigner and fund-raiser Lucy Hopkins who branded them ‘selfish’ and ‘thoughtless’ .
Wychavon District Council said the replacement straps for the swing will be installed next week.
However, a number of residents took to the Observer’s Facebook page to call on council chiefs to install CCTV at the park to prevent anymore incidents of vandalism.
Speaking to the Observer, Lynn Stevens, Senior Parks and Greenspace Officer for Wychavon, said the council is working with West Mercia Police to see what the best options are to better protect the Vale’s parks.
“We are angry about the swing being damaged. Fortunately we have been able to get spares quickly and it will be repaired next week, but it should not have been necessary to spend out on this work,” she said.
“We are working with the police to see what more can be done to monitor the parks and play areas and what is likely to be most successful.
“We would still encourage anyone with information to come forward and report it to the police. Everyone working together is the best way we can combat mindless vandalism.”
