Now you see it, now you don’t
Vandals pull down park flagpole just 24 hours after it was erected
Cambuslang Park proudly flew its Green Flag award for the first time last Tuesday - and within 24 hours vandals had broken the flagpole.
The park was last month presented with the prestigious flag by Keep Scotland Beautiful, as a benchmark for a quality green space, and is administered in Scotland by the independent environmental charity.
But vandals struck overnight, resulting in upset Friends of Cambuslang Park members finding the flag on the ground on Wednesday morning, to the frustration of the Friends and South Lanarkshire Council.
Frustrated Edward Cais, the chairperson of the Friends of Cambuslang Park said: “Last Tuesday, the flagpole for our new Green Flag award was erected and the flag was hoisted at the main Cairns Road entrance to the park. It waved beautifully in the afternoon breeze.
“But by Wednesday morning, the flag and pole were down.
“One of our members was informed by a nearby resident that they had seen some young teenagers hanging around and were seen trying to pull it down. We believe there were some dog walkers around at the time.
“I would urge anyone who has information to call the police on 101 and report any vandalism they see - and take some responsibility for our park.
“There’s a real pride being taken in the park, and people love how safe they feel when they come here. The flag was a physical sign of the success that’s been achieved by South Lanarkshire Council and the Friends of Cambuslang Park, on behalf of the community.
“When you come to the park just now, you’re seeing at its most attractive, and it’s beautiful with all the flowers blooming, and having that flag proclaims to the world that you’ve got something special.
“That’s why it’s such a shame that someone has come along and done this.”
Cairns Primary pupil Tieran Kennedy (7) lives across the road from the park, and he was disappointed by the damage.
He said: “The flag pole looked really, really high, and it’s such a shame that someone has done this. It’s really sad.”
Stephen Kelly, head of facilities, waste and ground services at South Lanarkshire Council, was angered by the vandalism.
He said: “Cambuslang Park was recently awarded the Green Flag by Keep Scotland Beautiful. This award is the benchmark for a quality green space and was achieved thanks to partnership working between the Council, Friends of Cambuslang Park and the community.
“Unfortunately, the day after the flag was raised on the flag pole, mindless vandals brought down and damaged the pole. Vandalism not only spoils an area for everyone but also costs us as taxpayers to put right the damage.
“The council’s budget is not infinite and there may come a time when the results of vandalism cannot be repaired or replaced therefore we need the help of the public to combat this and report whatever type of vandalism they may witness to the police immediately. We will make every effort to have the flag pole replaced as soon as possible.”
Tom Greatrex, Cambuslang’s MP, said: “The vandalism of the flagpole is hugely regrettable - I hope those responsible will reflect on the destructive nature of their actions.
“In recent years the Friends of Cambuslang Park, supported by many locals, have helped transform our historic park. It is now a welcoming, well looked after and increasingly popular open space - the number of people enjoying the summer fun day just recently demonstrates just how popular.
“The flag itself highlights just what an important and improved green space the park is - I know that those who have worked so hard over such a long time will not be deterred by this idiotic act and will continue with their dedicated stewardship of the park so many of us living close by value.”
Edward added: “Somebody in the community must know about this and who has done it. There’s a chance someone will have let slip about it in the pub.”
Inspector Jim Gillespie from Rutherglen Police said: “We are aware of this incident and will carry out enquiries.
“We regularly have patrols in the park, both in uniform and plain clothes, and this will continue.
“Any members of the community with information should come forward.”
Anyone with information should call the police on 101.