FISH KILLED AFTER VANDAL POURS PETROL INTO POND

FISH AT GRANT THOROLD PARK TARGETED IN ATTACK

PETROL was poured into a community garden pond, killing 10 fish on Thursday night.

The devastating scene at Grant Thorold Park, Grimsby was discovered by East Marsh ward councillor Steve Beasant.

He has dedicated hundreds of hours of his free time creating the community garden off Humberstone Road, known as Buffalo Bill Pocket Park.

As soon as he discovered the massacre in the pond, he immediately tried to save some of the fish. Thanks to his quick actions two of the larger gold fish were rescued and placed into clean water.

But around 10 fish have died.

Councillor Beasant and helper Graham Edwards set about cleaning and decontaminating the pond. Grant Thorold Park does not have as acute a problem with moped riders re-fuelling stolen motorcycles , as at People’s Park.

It has been used as a pit-stop for re-fuelling because the moped menaces are unable to get fuel for stolen mopeds at petrol stations.

Councillor Beasant said he was baffled why anyone would pour petrol into a fish pond, which is clearly marked and enjoyed by hundreds of young people.

“It is bonkers. They have destroyed the environment and stopped the enjoyment of youngsters," he said. He added: “The beauty of it was that there is a metal lid which the children can stand on to feed the fish the fish. They talk to them. “What enjoyment has someone got from pouring petrol into the pond killing the fish? “Someone has walked into the park with petrol and just poured it in to cause maximum damage. I can’t understand their mentality. It is crazy. They need to hold their heads in shame.” Councillor Beasant said the fish had been donated by members of the public when the pond and garden were built two years ago.

It was named after the legendary American, Buffalo Bill, after he brought his roadshow to Grimsby. Jo Barnes, chief executive of Care4All, based at the former Grant Thorold library said: “It is awful. Steve has spent a lot of his time creating and looking after the Pocket Park and we got grants for it. But we have had totems knocked over, fences destroyed and tables and benches vandalised.” The pond was drained and the lining scrubbed. Councillor Beasant and Mr Edwards said the pond will have to be decontaminated because of the toxic effects of petrol on fish.

The pond will also need new weeds.

The criminal damage has been reported to Humberside Police.

Ten fish have been killed at the Buffalo Bill Pocket Park, Grant Thorold Park in Grimsby, after petrol was poured into the pond. Pictured are, from left, Jo Barnes from Care 4 All, Councillor Steve Beasant, and gardener Graham Edwards.

Councillor Steve Beasant starts draining the pond after 10 fish were killed at the Buffalo Bill Pocket Park, Grant Thorold Park in Grimsby.