Mindless vandals who ripped up the surface of a local community park in Salford have cost the city over £1,000 in repairs, say Salford council bosses.
SalfordOnline.com were sent pictures of Riverbank park on Littleton Road in Kersal after reports the playground had been forcibly shut for repairs.
The rubber surface of the playground under the swings, roundabouts and climbing frame which provides a safe landing for local chidren has been pulled apart and thrown around the park.
Small sections also look like they’ve been burned and melted.
Signs posted saying: ‘Please don’t use’
Chunks of play surface have been ripped out
Parts of the rubber look like they’ve been melted
Exasperated local police posted on GMP Salford East: “This is our community, who would do this on a children’s park?
“The Parks Department are aware and have closed the park for repairs, but cant give a date when it will re-open, as you can see the damage is quite extensive.”
“If you have any information of who has caused this damage please get in touch on the usual 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.”
The park currently offers 24-hour access but the council may have to rethink this to protect the equipment for local children.
Patch-up job on the playground at Riverbank Park
Council workers have now completed surface patching repairs at a cost of £1,300.
Councillor David Lancaster, Salford’s lead member for environment and community safety, said it was “a sorry waste of public money” which could have been better spent improving the park.
Cllr Lancaster said: “Unfortunately this is not the first time vandalism has happened here.
“This time the vandals damaged the safety surface under the play equipment which meant it was not safe to use and forced the temporary closure of the park for repairs.
“I’d appeal to the community to keep an eye on the park and if they have evidence which would help the police to prosecute those responsible to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Riverbank Park is now due to re-open in the week starting Monday 5 September.
