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MULTIPLE REPORTS OF
A WOODLAND in a city park has been targeted by vandals at least three times in the past three weeks.
The spate of incidents has sparked fears that the historic green space could be forced to shut to the public altogether.
So far this month, at least three reports were made to police over antisocial behaviour at Knighton Park, between Oadby and Wigston.
The area will now be patrolled by police and council officers more regularly.
On one occasion, a shed used by park volunteers was left with what police called “significant damage”.
Friends of Knighton Park, a voluntary group, is worried that a wooded nature reserve, more than 180 years old, is being targeted.
The 7.2-acre area, called The Spinney, was originally planted with oak trees for shipbuilding by landowner Squire Cradock-Hartopp in 1840.
Today it is home to many different species of birds and wildlife and is maintained by volunteers.
Sandra Salmon, a member of the group, said: “It just seems to be a minority who are causing problems in the area and it always seems to become worse during the warmer months.
“The Spinney is quite precious to us and we don’t really want people in there at night, so there’s a group of volunteers who have been trying to make the boundary more secure using natural materials. The cost of putting fencing around the area is too expensive, but no matter what we do, people still find their way in.”
A shed that is regularly used by the volunteers was left with damage to its framework, leaving it unstable and unsafe, she added.
The Spinney had been closed to the public during the autumn and winter and only reopened – on Sundays only – two weeks ago.
During spring, The Spinney is popular with families and nature lovers, but the secluded spot has also attracted vandals.
“There have been lots more people waiting to come in and have a wander around this year and the last thing we would want is to have to stop people from enjoying it,” Sandra said.
On Saturday, it was reported that a fire was started in the park by vandals.
Friends of Knighton Park has requested a walk-around with the police to discuss ways of tackling the issues the park is facing.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Officers from the South Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area are carrying out extra patrols in Knighton Park following recent reports of anti-social behaviour.
“It was reported that between 11 and 14 April, padlocks to sheds had been damaged, but that nothing had been taken from within, and on April 16, a report was received that youths had been climbing onto the roof of a disused pavilion.”
A council spokesman said: “We continue to work closely with police to tackle any vandalism on our sites.
“Monitoring is being increased and facilities that seem subject to occasional targeting by vandals are always included in our joint patrols.
“Recent initiatives around safeguarding have opened up much of the park to improve visibility and personal safety, which not only makes it better for visitors but will also help to reduce anti-social behaviour.”