Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
‘Horrendous’ attack sees walkway burned
Vandals destroy boardwalk at Stanrigg Park
JUDITH TONNER
“Mindless” vandals set fire to a wooden walkway in a Plains park – just a few weeks before the site’s official re- opening after recent upgrading projects.
Community representatives hit out at the “extensive” damage to the boardwalk at Stanrigg Park, just off Moffat View – caused by wheelie bins being set alight.
They now hope repairs can be made in time for next Saturday’s planned ceremony.
George McCutcheon, who chairs Plains Community Futures, said: “The boardwalk was installed around 10 years ago; there’s been minor damage in the past but never anything like this, which was pretty horrendous.
“A lot of people are upset and deflated about what’s been done, it’s mindless and is a negative when we’re doing all this work to make the village a little bit better.”
The boardwalk is elevated above marshy ground at Stanrigg Park, allowing park users to see the wetland area at close quarters and enjoy the village’s open space.
George added: “It was built as part of an area of biodiversity, creating ponds and adding plants and allowing schoolchildren and everyone else from the village to use it.
“We spoke to an older man who uses a mobility scooter – he told us that he came out to the boardwalk most days to watch the world go by, but now can’t do that because the corner section is burnt away.
“It shows the damage isn’t just about the visual or even the cost impact, but it’s something which people in the community use to enjoy the area.”
Plains Community Futures have since received assistance from windfarm operators Muirhall Energy, who have offered to help with repairs, with George adding: “They contacted us right away and aim to have the damage fixed before the official opening.”
Airdrie North independent councillor Alan Beveridge said: “I was totally disgusted by it; it’s just a shame that a few individuals would do this, as it affects facilities for the rest of the community.
“This doesn’t reflect the community in the least – the vast majority are appalled by this and are delighted with the facilities at the park, and it’s fantastic there’s a firm stepping in to repair the damage.”
Police Scotland confirmed that they were contacted on the evening of September 17 about “youths deliberately setting fire to wheeled bins in a park in Plains”.
Inspector Claire McGuckien of Airdrie police office said: “This mindless act of vandalism caused damage to a footpath in the park. Not only are those responsible placing themselves in danger, this results in costly repairs.
“Officers have engaged with the community to identify those responsible for acts of anti-social behaviour and will continue to do so, and are working with North Lanarkshire Council to address ongoing issues at this location.
“High-visibility patrols have been undertaken in an effort to prevent further acts of criminality being carried out. Any information would be welcomed and can be passed to police via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”