Play-area vandalism at breaking point

Brothers Malachi and Luca Pearson after vandals wrecked their favourite swing in Greenacres

COUNCIL chiefs have warned they may not be able to afford to repair play areas and parks after a crippling spate of vandalism.

Since the end of May staff have made 52 repairs costing almost £11,000 at 29 sites across the borough, with hotspots at Stoneleigh Park, Broadway Shaw Road End, Waterhead Park, Lees Brook, Wedhurst Street, Greenacres, Coalshaw Green Park, Limeside Park, Sickle Street, Royton Park and Tandle Hill Park, all of which have needed at least four repairs.

Council officers fear facilities may not be replaced for years because of the increasing level of vandalism and reduced funding available.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Oldham Council cabinet member for neighbourhoods and devolved services, said: “It really is very sad to see that equipment and facilities that are for all the community are ruined because of the actions of a few.

“This costs every resident — this is council tax that should be spent on something better than cleaning up after those who have no respect.”

She urged residents to tell council officers or police if they see vanadls in action.

Recent vandalism includes thousands of pounds worth of damage in two attacks at Wildbrook Community Allotments in Fitton Hill last month; unruly dogs who chewed their way through play equipment at Lees Brook Park, and repeatedly vandalised swings in Wellyhole Street playground, Greenacres

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