MINDLESS vandals who slashed the safety straps of a swing for disabled youngsters at a park in Evesham have ‘upset a community’, according to a heartbroken town fundraiser.
Lucy Hopkins slammed the ‘selfish’ and ‘thoughtless’ vandalism of the inclusive play equipment on Crown Meadow which happened sometime during the weekend.
Vandals cut the straps to the swing which was designed so it could be used by youngsters of all abilities.
Council chiefs at Wychavon District Council, who maintain the park, have ruled the swing cannot be used until new straps are fitted to ensure the safety of youngsters using the equipment.
The inclusive play area opened two years ago thanks to Lucy’s fund-raising drive through her No Limits campaign.
Her fund-raising efforts secured more than £23,000 for the play equipment, with a further £20,000 contributed by Wychavon to make the park a reality.
Since its opening, youngsters of all abilities have been able to enjoy the park which features a wheelchair accessible roundabout, sensory items, a variety of inclusive swings, a new see-saw, a car springer and a sensory maze.
Speaking to the Observer, Lucy said: “It’s heartbreaking. It’s not fair is it for the children who benefit from this equipment.
“It’s not just upsetting for me or the children; it’s upsetting for the people who contributed to the play equipment.
“When you drive over the bridge and see the kids playing it’s just so nice.
“These mindless vandals have upset a community. They’ve taken something away from children who just want to enjoy life.
“These children don’t deserve things being taken away from them.
Lynn Stevens, senior Parks and Greenspace Officer at Wychavon District Council, said:
“We are so very upset that this special item of play equipment, which enables a disabled child to enjoy the simple pleasure of a swing, has been vandalised.
“Local fund raisers such as Lucy Hopkins, who enabled the equipment to be installed, will be distressed I know to think that their efforts are being destroyed by some very thoughtless and selfish people.
“We have ordered new safety straps and will fit them as soon as possible, but it is not a great start to the school holidays.
“I would ask any member of the public who sees such vandalism to ring the police straight away. Let’s work together to get the message over that such damage is not socially acceptable.”
Anyone who may have any information on the incident can call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident number 0260S of Monday, July 24 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org
