Ashfield council boss hits out after yobs destroy bench in latest vandal attack

Councillor Helen-Ann Smith, deputy leader of Ashfield District Council, says that while crime is down across Ashfield during the lockdown, a number of high profile incidents in Sutton are "disappointing".

The anti-social incidents include vandals setting fire to a swan's nest in Sutton Lawn, the "largest ever" fly-tip close to Brierley Forest Park and, most recently, a bench being destroyed in the same park.

Councillor Smith, who is also portfolio holder for community safety on the council, criticised the incidents and praised the "vast majority" for their behaviour during the pandemic.

"Whilst crime is down across our district, there have been isolated incidents during the lockdown period which have been disappointing", she said.

"This includes the industrial fly tip, the bench being vandalised on Brierley Park and a deliberate attempt to harm swans nesting on Sutton Lawn.

"As a council, we continue to work with Nottinghamshire Police but the reality is that they are severely underfunded.

"Government funding has been drastically cut since 2010, leading to Sutton police station being shut and sold to the highest bidder. That has not helped at all.

"I do want to put on record however my thanks to the vast, vast majority of local people who are staying in and keeping out of trouble."

The most recent of the three major incidents was the bench at Brierley Forest Park, which was shown in images to have been broken in half.

Councillor Tom Hollis, who represents the Huthwaite and Brierley ward on the council, said: "I am disgusted - we will not tolerate mindless destruction of public assets. We are working with the police and parks teams to repair the bench and bring the culprit to justice. Brierley Forest Park is an amazing public space. The Council have worked hard to make major improvements to this park and have been on the scene this morning. I would ask that anyone with any information contact the Police on 101.”

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