Vandalism results in costly repairs for Cramlington play areas

Cramlington Town Council is once again disappointed to report incidents of vandalism within its play areas.

At some point in-between 18-20 November, pallets and a wheelie bin were set fire to inside the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) at Clifton Road.

While the debris can be cleared up the fire has damaged the specialised safety surface in the MUGA (see below), which will incur considerable expense to repair.

Councillor Mark Swinburn, chairman of the Council’s Development and Strategic Management Committee said: “Why? Why create intentional damage that will mean the MUGA has to be closed, to the disappointment and inconvenience of the young people that use it. Why be so nasty? It’s beyond me.”

“If anyone saw anything I would ask them to call Northumbria Police quoting Crime Number 137886L/22”

The damage in the MUGA comes after recent vandalism on play equipment used by young children in Westfield Park (see below).

Some abacus beads were removed from a slide and play frame. A second set of beads had just been put in after previous ones being taken ten days earlier.

As they cost £200 the council will not be replacing them again.

 

Anyone witnessing vandalism is asked to call the Police immediately but to avoid tackling or even communicating with those responsible.

All of Cramlington Town Council’s play areas are inspected on a weekly basis.

The Town Council is currently investing £80,000 redeveloping Weldon Road play area.

The council has also announced a major investment of £100,000 to develop an adventure play area at Alexandra Park.