Residents vow to revamp play area hit by vandals

FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN IS LAUNCHED TO REPLACE EQUIPMENT AFTER YOBS TEAR UP SAFETY SURFACE

RESIDENTS in Salford have launched a campaign to raise £45,000 to repair and revamp a children’s play area left unusable after being torn apart by mindless vandals.

Shocking footage posted online this week showed a group of hooligans ripping up the rubber safety surface at the George Thomas Playground in Princes Park, Irlam, and throwing chunks of it around the park.

Bosses at Salford council were forced to shut the facility because of the damage, leaving youngsters nowhere to play for the rest of the summer holidays. The council estimates it will cost more than £1,000 to repair the safety surface - but residents want to take the opportunity to transform the park.

A fundraising page has now been set up in a bid to find the cash to regenerate the play area, which has been targeted by vandals several times in recent months.

The page reads: “The George Thomas Playground in Princes Park, Irlam, has long needed some regeneration. It has unfortunately been repeatedly vandalised costing a lot of money to fix.

“Around £15,000 is available from this year’s capital budget towards the cost of new equipment.

“Ideally to bring the play area up to date and install a new range of equipment will cost around £60,000 leaving a shortfall of £45,000.

“As a community WE can raise this money through events, donations awards and get the playground the children of Irlam deserve to have.”

The video of the vandalism, posted on social media, has been met by outrage from local residents and families. Further images taken the following morning exposed the extent of the damage, which has left the facility unusable.

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 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.”

To donate to the fund, visit www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/georgethomasplayground.