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.

"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.