£40,000 play area is targeted by vandals

VANDALS have damaged a wall built to protect a new children’s play area.

They have stamped on the concrete topping of drystone walls at Diggle tunnel tip, carving names and slashing coverings.

The damage has been done just a few weeks before the site, which has cost more than £40,000 to complete, is to be officially opened.

The work by Diggle 21st Action Group, opposite Diggle primary school in Sam Road, has created an attractive place to walk, picnic and play ball games.

Carried out in partnership with Oldham Council and supported by funding from Breathing Spaces, Veolia Environmental Trust, the Community Council, Oldham woodlands and eco-grants, the project started 10 years ago when local youngsters complained they had lost their play space because of building work in the area.

A spokesperson for Diggle Action 21st said: “The vandalism is a thoughtless act. We are very disappointed but the council said it will re-skim the wall before the opening.

“The concrete on top of the wall was to prevent theft of the stone itself. It was left to dry but someone walked along it, scratched and etched their names in it.

“It is repairable, but people need to be aware of what has happened. It is very annoying.”

Despite delays, the opening ceremony will take place on May 15, attended by school children, villagers, council representatives and Phil Woolas, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth.

Development at the site has included creation of a network of paths, drainage work on the grass area and five new picnic benches.

A new safe route to the bus stop is included along with disabled access. A bridge has been built over a stream with a new entrance off Huddersfield Road.

Trees, shrubs, bulbs and wild flowers have been planted and there are strategic bird and bat boxes on the site.

One of the guests of honour at the opening will be local resident Doris Sykes, whose name for the site won a competition.

A recent clean-up day saw a team remove a significant amount of rubbish.

Bins will be installed and the team are hopeful people will get the message about dog fouling without involving the enforcement team.

The spokesperson added: “It’s has been lovely to see so many people using the site, and children can now cut through from the new bridge to cross to school in a safer place.”