Yobs empty

DISGUST AND ANGER OVER FILTHY PRANK

VANDALS who threw bags of dog faeces all over a skate park in Barwell have been condemned as “disgraceful”.

The ugly mess was found smeared across the play area off Stapleton Lane, by Barwell Parish Council groundskeepers on Wednesday morning.

The yobs appear to have removed the black bin bag from a dog bin at the park before pelting the skate park with the bags of faeces.

The attack is believed to have taken place on Tuesday evening, as the park had been checked earlier that day and was clear.

Councillor Michael Gould, parish council chairman, said: “This is going to be costly to clear and unfair on our staff who have to undertake this unpleasant job.

“Whoever did this disgraceful act should realise they are not only putting themselves at risk but also other children and our staff at risk of catching toxocariasis.”

The common parasite found in dog faeces can cause asthma, epilepsy and lead to blindness.

“While toxocariasis infections are rare, it is more likely to affect children because of their play habits, but adults can become ill, too,” said Coun Gould.

Rebecca Preston, who lives nearby, said her nine-year-old son regularly plays on the skate park.

She said: “I don’t understand what the mentality is behind it.

“It’s usually pretty quiet – there isn’t any trouble down here.

“I go up there myself with my dog but you use the bins provided. You don’t then expect someone to take it out and throw it around.”

Tina Duane also lives in Barwell and goes to the park every day to walk her three dogs.

She said the vandalism was “disgusting” but also very unusual for the area.

“I don’t see much anti-social behaviour around here,” she said. “I usually come every day because it’s a nicely set-out park.

“I love it, the dogs love it, I have never encountered any problems.

“It’s used as a cut-through as well by a lot of people. The people are friendly down here.”

The mess has been cleared up. There has been a spate of vandalism over the summer in the village, where vandals have torn up planters installed by volunteers in the village centre.

If you have any information about the latest incident, call the parish council on 01455 844 229 or email: