New play area joy turns to dismay at vandalism

Celebration turned to dismay when a new community space was vandalised and items stolen within three days of its opening.

Cockfield Parish Council transformed an overgrown disused bowling green into a picnic area complete with an outdoor gym, children’s play kit and a BMX track and opened it to the public on Saturday, July 11.

However, in the early hours of July 14, a thief sneaked in and stole several sleeper-type boards used as border edging.

The beauty spot was three years in the making and cost the parish council between £35,000 and £40,000.

It was well used on opening day with scores of people descending on the area, and a walking group was keen to try out the 11 pieces of gym equipment while young people tested out the BMX track.

Cllr David Britton proposed installing the outdoor gym last year and, along with son Michael, put a lot of time and effort into transforming the space along with contractors.

He said: “We have had a lot of good comments about the place and then you get people who can’t leave a thing alone unfortunately.”

He said CCTV footage showed the thief entering the ground at about 1.30am. The council was able to monitor the thief’s movements, which led to the discovery of the stolen boards in a nearby field.

The seven treated wooden boards were worth about £100.

Parish council chairwoman Brenda Singleton said: “Because we have been prudent as a council, we had the money to do it.

“It is disheartening because a lot of work has gone into that, and money.”

Her husband Neville said there were plans to make further improvements in the broader recreation area, including the children’s playground.

He added: “We have another five bouncy toys [to install] and we were thinking of ordering a couple more seats for the swings to get them back in action, because they have been burnt out twice.

“Those seats are nearly £200 apiece.”

The theft was reported to police.