The ‘selfish’ vandals wrecking our kids’ playgrounds
£2.5m has been spent, only for them to be destroyed:
A COUNCILLOR has called vandals who have destroyed newly-refurbished children’s play areas “selfish” .
Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council, said he was disappointed that people were targeting play areas across Mountain Ash.
Railings and climbing nets, which were only installed a few months ago, have been torn down at the Caedrawnant toddler unit in Mountain Ash.
The new play area equipment, along with improved tennis courts and a new 3G pitch nearby, were only opened in October 2016 as part of the #RCTInvest scheme.
Tarmac has also been ripped up at Heol Y Twyn in Wattstown underneath play equipment and underneath a basket-swing at the Cae play area in Mountain Ash.
Now Coun Morgan has warned that if the vandalism continues, the council would have to consider stopping funding.
He said: “After investing £2.5m in our play areas over the last three years it is really disappointing and frustrating to see them being vandalised as it places a doubt on whether the investment can continue.
“Not only does vandalism prevent our children and their families enjoying the improved play facilities, it also means we have to fund the repair work to ensure they can continue to be used.
“Obviously we would much rather be spending this money on maintaining and improving other services and facilities which could also benefit RCT’s communities.”
By the end of this year, the council say it will have upgraded 86 play areas across the borough.
Coun Morgan added: “Our budget continues to be extremely tight and the council simply cannot afford to continue to invest in improving play areas if two or three months later they need more money spent on them due to vandalism.
“We have made a commitment to invest in play areas in the coming years but we need our communities to help look after them.
“It would be a real shame if this investment had to be stopped due to the mindless actions of a selfish few.
“I am sure residents will share my frustrations and join me in condemning the vandals.
“I would also make a plea that if any residents know who is doing it or see any acts of vandalism that they report it to the police immediately.”