“This is not acceptable”: Councillor condemns mindless vandalism in children’s park

Two railings and the connected concrete footings have been pulled out the ground from the Air Rider in Kingston Gardens, off Chelmsford Avenue, Grimsby. The basket swing has also had to be removed due to damage from dogs biting the rubber and repairs to the floor being ripped up.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the Air Rider equipment has been targeted. Last year, the chains and platform connected to it were also stolen, leaving the item unusable for the many children who come to enjoy the facilities in the park.

Sadly, the majority of the vandalism has led to items being removed completely due to being damaged beyond repair and has cost the Council a total of £7,270.

This cost includes the removal and installation of two new picnic benches; the basket swing being replaced twice; various flooring repairs; the cost of the stolen Air Rider parts and the cost of removing and cleaning the site.

“This is not acceptable,” said Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities.

“These incidents are nothing but acts of mindless vandalism. All our parks are a source of fun and entertainment for the children of this borough and the small minority are ruining it for those people.

“Whilst the green space may remain, the very reason people visit these places are being removed through no fault of their own. It’s not fair that those wanting to use and respect the play equipment should be hindered from doing so because of these criminals.”

If you have any information relating to the incident, please contact Humberside Police on 101, quoting Crime reference Number 25000092043.