Park cafe signage damaged by vandals
RANGERS AND COUNCIL APPALLED BY ‘SELFISH ATTACK’ ON POPULAR ATTRACTION
POLICE are looking to identify vandals who were caught on camera destroying signs in a park.
CCTV footage captured two individuals kicking at the Rumbles cafe sign at Vicar Water Country Park in Clipstone, owned by Newark and Sherwood District Council.
On the morning of Thursday, January 21, District Council park rangers not only discovered the vandalised sign, but also were horrified and appalled to discover human excrement outside the main centre.
Matt Smith, Vicar Water park ranger, said: “I had arrived at work on the morning of the January 21 and noticed that the sign was leaning backwards.
“I checked the CCTV and was shocked to see somebody kicking it repeatedly for no good reason other than to cause mindless damage. Hopefully somebody will recognise the person from the footage and come forward.”
Newark and Sherwood District Council Leader, David Lloyd, said: “I am utterly disgusted and appalled by this behaviour.
“These selfish actions showed a complete disregard for the park that our rangers are so committed to keeping immaculate for people to enjoy, but also to cafe staff.
“Under the current lockdown restrictions, parks are one of the few places that our community and residents should be able to enjoy and acts such as this will not be left unturned.
“Every avenue will be explored to find the perpetrators and if you have any information or witnessed the events leading up to the incident please help the investigation by contacting the police.”
Nottinghamshire Police have released the CCTV and are calling on people to come forward.
Police Sergeant Christian Hurley, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are working closely with the local council following the anti-social behaviour reported to the force last month. We will be liaising with the local ranger and the council to assess the extent of damage caused and will work with our colleagues to review their CCTV of the events for potential evidence.
“I’d encourage anyone with any information to get in touch with us as soon as possible on 101.”
This is not the first time that Vicar Water Country Park has been targeted by vandals.
Last year, illegal 5th November activities at the park caused incidents of criminal damage and arson.
The actions led to a burnt bench, litter and firework remnants being found.
Signage at the top of the heath was also completely ruined, beyond repair.