Park facilities ripped up by vandals

THERE has to be a greater deterrent for vandals.

That was the call from visitors to The Duke Of York Gardens, Grimsby, after thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused by youths who ripped up benches and threw them in the River Freshney.

Fencing around the five-a-side football pitch was also kicked over.

The new parkour park, which was built recently for youths to keep them out of trouble, was also vandalised, with a bollard ripped from its post.

The culprits also set fire to a shelter, urinated in it and smashed bottles.

The damage was estimated to have cost up to £3,000.

Visitors to the park said they were appalled at the level of criminal damage.

Former scout leader Ted Loftus, 78, said: "There are two benches which have gone. They have just been ripped up and thrown in the river. It is a disgrace.

"Whoever did it should be given community work."

Another visitor to the park, Leeson Pearce, 81, said: "They seem to be the law in the park now. There is no discipline.

"When they get them they should make sure they get stiffer penalties.

"When we were young if a policeman turned up in the park we all ran away.

"If anyone got caught they got a clip round the lughole.

"They should be made to clear the banks of the river. It is looking a mess."

A young mum visiting the park with her son, who did not wish to be named, said: "It is a shame because these kids are spoiling it for the other kids.

"They have been urinating and breaking glass bottles.

"They need to stop people coming in and destroying it.

"There have been more police in the park lately and they visit regularly, so they are trying to prevent it, but the youths causing the trouble are coming late at night."

Another park visitor added: "It is disgusting.

"At least they have been able to stop the lads coming on the park with their motorbikes."

Councillor Ray Oxby, portfolio holder for environment and housing at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "Our officers have been down to the park to make sure the facilities are safe to use, and we will be replacing the metalwork.

"This is a mindless act of vandalism carried out in one of our popular parks and only acts to spoil the amenity for visitors and residents alike."

Anyone with information is asked to Humberside Police, quoting crime reference AA/1987717/2013.