BEAUTY SPOT HIT BY VANDALISM
Fires started and barriers wrecked... despite closure
A POP UR nature rerv es be in ntinually targeted y vandals an sonists. as weeken oden arrier were estroyed nd everal eliberate fires er t at he ingl ocal
Nature eserve n lang ni, Angl sey.
This is espite eing losed to he public in the coronavirus lockdown.
Anglesey ouncil, which owns and manages the 42-acre woodland, has condemned the latest vandalism, which comes two weeks after warnings were issued that people were ignoring the closure.
Anglesey Countryside and AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Warden Dylan Owen said, “At a time when most of us are focused on keeping ourselves and our families safe and healthy, it is hugely disappointing that all some people want to do is destroy a place of such natural beauty. “The Dingle provides a place of tranquility, rich in wildlife and history
for the enjoyment of thousands of visitors a year when open but a small minority seem intent on spoiling things for everyone.
“We would ask them to really consider their actions and to stop such anti-social behaviour before someone is hurt.”
“We would like to remind the public that the Dingle is closed in order to conform with Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidelines on social distancing and to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.”
Hdd ed east hatoue main patien nd efrain rom ing th s te ti it reopened he safe do ur ll ontinue tor he ite. re ervice nd he olic have condemned the ac on of vandals.
Tim wen, rson eduction anager, said ehaviour pletel unacceptable nd extremely disappointing.
“The individuals setting the fires should not ave even een in the area,
let alone starting deliberate fires which put extra pressure on emergency service resources which are already
stretched at this time. We need residents to help reduce demand on our firefighters.
“Deliberate fires place tremendous
pressure on resources, with our crews committed for a considerable length of time trying to bring them under control – which prevents them from attending genuine emergencies.” North Wales Police Area Support Sergeant Ian Roberts added: “It’s disheartening that such mindless dam
age has been caused to the Dingle, an area of such significance to Llangefni.
“We are investigating incidents of arson and criminal proceedings will begin with any person identified.
“Arson is a serious offence carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.”
Anyone with information can contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively they can use the live webchat.