Saw vandalism shuts play park

Rope bridge post cut clean through by neds

Stephanie Mccourt

A popular children’s play park in Hamilton was closed this week – after thugs vandalised it with a saw.

The play area in the Palace Grounds was shut after the incident, which resulted in a wooden rope bridge support post being sawn through.

South Lanarkshire Council deemed the area ‘unsafe’ and closed the park while replacement parts are sourced and repairs are carried out.

The local authority confirmed it would be investigating the matter, and reporting details to the police.

Alistair Mckinnon, head of facilities, waste and grounds services, said: “The play area at the Palace Grounds was closed on Monday following an act of vandalism which led to a wooden post, which supported a rope bridge, being sawn clean through.

“Grounds services are currently sourcing a replacement part and will re-open the play area as soon as possible.

“Should any member of the public have any information on who was responsible for this act of vandalism, contact Police Scotland.”

The park has been closed on numerous occasions in recent years after rats were spotted running around the grounds. It was also shut, in 2013, after a nearby sewage tank overflowed and contaminated the area.

Anyone with information about the vandalism should call Police Scotland on 101.