Police park patrols

The announcement comes after a piece of play equipment was set alight, and others were damaged and torn, at the Sandy Park play area next to Balgillo Park.

The play area is privately owned, with contractors Greenbelt Energy responsible for its upkeep rather than Dundee City Council.

Ferry councillor Craig Duncan said he had been in touch with both police and Greenbelt Energy to inform them of the damage.

He said that the lighter nights could be playing a part in the increase in vandalism, saying that the people who commit these crimes are out and about more.

Mr Duncan said: “It’s just annoying. They tried to light a wee fire. They also pulled down the netting on a rope climbing frame and pulled off one of achieved by vandalism. It has a negative impact on local communities.

“We will be carrying out high-visibility patrols in the areas and we would urge anyone to report acts of vandalism or antisocial behaviour to police immediately.

“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

A spokesman from Greenbelt Energy said: “We were contacted via out-ofhours email by Councillor Craig Duncan to alert us to vandalism in the Sandy Park play area.

“We responded immediately by asking our contractor to attend as a matter of urgency.”

Resident Sam Bone, 70, who has lived in the area for 15 years, said that the park is well used but not well maintained. He said: “The pathways are a disgrace. The general maintenance is a joke. The children’s play area tends to get vandalised regularly, but it’s a nice park in general.

“When we first moved in it was very well maintained.”

POLICE in Broughty Ferry will carry out high-visibility patrols following a spike in the number of vandalism incidents at playparks.

Councillor Craig Duncan said vandalism was costly not only to contractors, but to the police for having to step up patrols.

A burnt piece of play equipment at the Sandy Park in Broughty Ferry.