Despair as yobs wreck playground
VANDALS have torn up the surface of a playground – leaving children with nowhere to go for the rest of the summer holidays.
Salford council bosses have been forced to shut Prince’s Park in Irlam after the yobs wreaked havoc.
The vandals were caught on camera and the footage shows several hooligans ripping up the play area’s rubber safety surface and throwing chunks of it around the park.
The video, posted on social media, has been met with outrage from local residents and families, disgusted by the vandalism. Further images taken the following morning exposed the extent of the damage, which has left the facility unusable.
Irlam councillor Roger Jones branded the playground’s closure during the summer holidays ‘a huge regret.’
He told the M.E.N.: “The play area is very well used by parents and children and over the years we’ve had hardly any problems.
“However, in recent months, it’s been targeted by vandals on three occasions.
“The most disappointing aspect, other than the vandalism and damage caused, is the fact that the play area will now be closed during the summer holidays at a time when it is used the most. It is a huge regret that this decision has been taken, and naturally a lot of residents are upset that the facility has been temporarily lost.
“We have a good relationship with the local policing team and we will be meeting with them shortly to see help them with their investigation and see what can be done to stop this happening again.”
Coun David Lancaster, the town hall’s lead member for community safety and environment, said: “The safety surface in the play area at Prince’s Park in Irlam has been damaged by vandals and will now cost about £1,000 to repair.
“We will ensure the park is made safe and organise the necessary repairs so children can enjoy it again, we hope it will be ready for use by the end of September.
“We are saddened by this vandalism and apologise to local children for the inconvenience while the works take place.
“If anybody has any information to help catch those responsible they should report it to the police on 101.”
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers were aware of the incident and enquiries are ongoing.