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'We are so disappointed': Walsall children's play area vandalised days after it was officially opened

Walsall Council have shared their disappointment at the vandalism of a brand new play area in Leamore.

By Daniel Walton
Published

Walsall Council have appealed for information surrounding the vandalism of a new children's play area in Leamore Park, on Blakenall Lane, Bloxwich, only a week after it was officially opened.

The new park was opened in a grand event last week, featuring a seaside-themed play area designed by local school children. 

The vandals ripped plants, flowers and shrubs from the ground, before tossing them over the play area
The vandals ripped plants, flowers and shrubs from the ground, before tossing them over the play area

The event was attended by the Mayor of Walsall, who cut the ribbon and welcomed children into the play area, and saw more than 300 brand new plants and shrubs being placed in the play area by local contractors on Tuesday.

However, overnight, more than a third of all of the plants were needlessly dug up and thrown across the play area and equipment. 

The council have now shown their disappointment at the act of vandalism, saying that plans to continue planting more flowers in the area have now been halted.

A council spokesperson said: "We are so disappointed to see the vandalism that’s happened overnight on the brand new Leamore Park play area.

"Just last week, we were celebrating the grand opening of this gorgeous new seaside-themed play area designed by local school children. 

The council said that plans to add more plants to the area have now been halted
The council said that plans to add more plants to the area have now been halted

"The Mayor of Walsall cut the ribbon and welcomed children to the new play area, who all thoroughly enjoyed the new equipment.

"On Tuesday, contractors planted 300 brand new plants and shrubs around the play area, but overnight, at least a third of those plants were needlessly dug up and strewn across the play area and equipment."

The council added that the play area was funded by the Bloxwich Town Deal, and not only costs money to clean, but also 'impacts the feeling of public safety' of the area.

The spokesperson added: "Contractors have now cleaned up the mess and will be working on re-planting as many of the plants as possible, but unfortunately, it means our plans to continue planting more greenery have had to be halted. 

The plants and soil were thrown across the play area
The plants and soil were thrown across the play area

"The refurbished play area was funded through the Bloxwich Town Deal as part of plans to create more welcoming, modern outdoor spaces for children and families in Bloxwich. 

"Vandalism like this not only costs money to clean up, but it impacts the feeling of public safety too which is unacceptable."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Walsall Council directly.