Reward offered to CatCh park vandals

Thousands of pounds of damage caused in vandalism spree at Ferry Meadows

A reward has been put up to catch vandals who left a trail of destruction at a Peterborough beauty spot. Aspree of damagewascaused at Ferry Meadows last week, with vandals striking onMonday and Wednesday nights.

They used saws to cut through trees, benches, fences, play equipment andsafety lines.

The yobs even destroyed memorial benches, designed for families to remember loved ones.

Now a £ 550 - and £ 250 shopping vouchers - reward has been put up by the Nene Park Trust to bring the culprits to justice.

The park had previously beenhit by vandals in November and December last year, andoverall, the damagecould costupto£20,000toputright.

Teresa Wood from Nene Park Trust, which runs the park, said the size of the park was causing problems to keep it secure - but they were considering installing more CCTV.

Shesaid:“Wearereviewing our security strategy. In the past we have taken the view that Nene Park/Ferry Meadows is a natural environment and would be spoilt by flood lighting and CCTV.

“There is CCTV and lighting in the central areas.

“There are a number of entrances to the Park and it is therefore an extensive area to cover. But we are reviewing different options at the moment, and will be looking at what we can do to improve security.

“We continue to work with the police and are guided by them on what they consider appropriate in these circumstances.”

The trust has now set up a fundraising pagetopayforthe repairs at the park.

It has already raised thousandsof poundsfromfamilies who use the park.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/nene-park

Anyone with information about who is behind the attacks is asked to call Cambridgeshire police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.