Outrage as mindless vandals dredge up tree, snap plants and damage fences at Sutton park

Councillors have slammed the actions of vandals who caused damage at a Sutton park as ‘beyond comprehension’- and encouraged anyone with information on the ‘disheartening’ incident to come forward.
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Residents have been soaking up the recent warm weather at the The Lawn where Ashfield District Council have invested thousands installing new play equipment along with planting the Moorhouse Orchard and a soon-to-be grass maze.

But this week the popular beauty spot suffered at the hands of vandals- an ornamental tree was removed from the middle of a flower bed, and was not taken from the park but ‘simply left situated’ on the path.

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Saplings were also found snapped at the park and over the Bank Holiday weekend there was also damage to the fencing around the lake.

The Lawn has suffered at the hands of vandals.The Lawn has suffered at the hands of vandals.
The Lawn has suffered at the hands of vandals.

Councillor David Martin, cabinet member for Parks and Town Centres at Ashfield District Council, said: “The behaviour of the few will not stop us from continuing to ensure the park looks excellent.

“We know that health and wellbeing is of major importance at the moment, and Council officers that have gone above and beyond to maintain and continually improve our open spaces during lockdown are disappointed and disheartened by the actions of these vandals.”

Community safety patrols have now been upped at the site and the Council said it would look at ‘additional measures’ to prevent future anti-social behaviour at the site.

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Councillor Helen-Ann Smith, cabinet member for Community Safety at Ashfield District Council, said: “Some people are deliberately trying to spoil the park for others and this will not be tolerated.

“If you witness anyone vandalising any of our parks or green spaces, please call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers.

“Why anyone would deliberately want to damage the park is beyond comprehension.

“Our parks and green spaces are fantastic spaces for residents to enjoy the great outdoors.

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“In order for our visitors to enjoy the parks safely we ask that you follow social distancing guidelines and follow any one systems we have in place.”

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