Vandals fail to stop Party in the Park

DESTRUCTION . . . (above) Stephen Fairbrother (left), chairman of the community council, and Councillor Roger Hindle with the damaged fencing

A COMMUNITY party in Stoneleigh Park, Derker, was a huge success despite vandals’ efforts to ruin the event.

The Party in the Park was organised by St James’s and Waterhead Community Council as part of Oldham’s Festival of Diversity on Saturday.

On Friday night, a group of youths set fire to a mattress close to the bowling hut and also ripped panels from fencing around the children’s playground.

A resident noticed the damage and alerted councillors Roger Hindle and Jackie Stanton, who managed to call in a repair team in time to ensure the party could still go ahead.

Councillor Hindle said: “My personal belief is that these incidents were not just a coincidence, but were specifically targeted for this weekend in an attempt to put a damper on the party, but it didn’t work.

“Someone must know who caused this damage and I urge anyone with information to contact any of the ward councillors — in the strictest of confidence — so we can pass on details to the relevant authorities.”

The event was organised by co-optees from the community council and the neighbourhood management team.

Revellers basked in the sunshine as they enjoyed a host of entertainment, games and refreshments.