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.
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 Therfield pub celebrates lockdown heroes
- 2 New mayor elected in historic moment for Royston Town Council
- 3 Superintendent dons rainbow helmet against hate crime on #IDAHOBIT
- 4 Last veterans of the 6th Airborne Division honoured in poignant IWM Duxford exhibition
- 5 Iceland offers over 60s discount on shopping bill every week
- 6 Garden centre to host royal treat for Queen's Platinum Jubilee
- 7 Sign up to Rainbow Run in aid of our hospitals
- 8 Family-run bridalwear shop closes down after 23 years
- 9 Stalking Protection Order issued to Herts man after obsessive behaviour towards ex
- 10 World IBD Day: Crohn's disease sufferer speaks out
"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.