A new spate of vandalism has forced the closure of a Kidderminster park at night to protect it against further wrecking sprees.
It follows calls for action over mindless vandals who are ruining Borrington Park. Councillors called for the closure of the park, spruced up to the tune of £250,000 two years ago, to curb anti-social behaviour.
During the latest attack vandals lit a fire and damaged a basketball ring.
Previously gangs of youths have congregated in the park and damaged metal rubbish bins and have also been spotted drinking alcohol and lighting bonfires late at night.
Today Wyre Forest District councillors Mrs Fran Oborski issued a joint statement with other Liberal members saying they were “furious and saddened” by what had happened.
In a joint statement with her husband councillor Mike Oborski and councillor Siri Hayward, she said: “Borrington Park is being used and enjoyed by thousands of toddlers, youngsters, teen-agers and adults and it is absolutely sickening when a few brainless yobs set out to spoil it for everyone.
“In the latest incidents a small fire was lit and a basketball ring was deliberately broken off on the ball park.”
The three councillors called for Wyre Forest Community Housing to lock the park at night and said that such a move could “put an instant stop to most of the damage that was being caused.” They have also called for anyone who knows the culprits to come forward.
Fiona Law, strategy and marketing manager for Wyre Forest Community Housing, said a decision had now been taken to close the park at night following the councillors’ pleas.
“We have decided to lock the park when it gets dark. It will be part of the work of our out-of-hours duty team to lock up public places to help prevent against vandalism.
“But we want people to know that the park is available for use during daylight hours when people want to use it.”
By Sue Smith
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