Rampaging vandals slammed by council chief
VANDALS have been on the rampage in Royston, costing tax payers almost �60,000 by destroying play equipment. As well as costing money that could have been spent on new schemes, equipment has been out of action for more than three months waiting for specia
VANDALS have been on the rampage in Royston, costing tax payers almost �60,000 by destroying play equipment.
As well as costing money that could have been spent on new schemes, equipment has been out of action for more than three months waiting for specialist replacements and repairs.
Newmarket Road play area has cost more than �21,500 in repairs to the swings, slides, safer surfacing and other items of equipment.
The bill to repair fencing and replace burnt wooden items of equipment in Serby Avenue play area is over �27,000.
You may also want to watch:
The Priory Gardens play area needed nearly �10,000 to replace a vandalised climbing unit and slide along with improving the surfacing. This work is still to be completed.
Cllr F John Smith, leader of North Herts District Council and councillor for Royston Meridian, said: "I am appalled that a very small minority has gone to a lot of trouble to destroy equipment provided for children to play on.
Most Read
- 1 Lorry driver jailed for causing fatal A505 crash
- 2 New headteacher appointed for King James Academy Royston
- 3 Jail for thief who stole scrap metal worth hundreds
- 4 Arrest made after woman verbally abused in alleyway
- 5 Where has the Duke of Edinburgh visited in Hertfordshire?
- 6 Have your say on Barkway Road development proposal
- 7 'Community campaigns are making an impact, so have your say on rail link'
- 8 Man who climbed on Tesco freezer jailed for string of offences
- 9 Family builds fairy garden for grandchildren during lockdown
- 10 'We have a huge task on our hands, but The Pheasant will fly again'
"Vandalism affects every council taxpayer in the district. NHDC has had to divert valuable money when it is being challenged financially by the credit crunch just to repair wanton damage. I would urge anyone who sees vandalism being carried out to contact the police.
