VANDALS have caused more damage to a popular children’s play area in Barnard Castle for the second time in 13 months.
Play equipment at Scar Top was daubed with obscene graffiti and a swing’s rope snapped in the latest damage which is believed to have been caused by “youths congregating” at the play park.
In July last year a decorative blue flower, which forms part of the safety surface at the play area, was torn out.
Barnard Castle town council clerk Michael King said last week’s attack had been reported to Durham Police. He added obscene graffiti to a play castle has already been removed. He said: “The town council has reported instances of anti-social behaviour on Scar Top, including the play area.
“There have also been instances of broken glass bottles left in and around the play area.
“The basket swing is currently fastened up. One of the suspension ropes has been snapped.
“This will be repaired as soon as we have acquired the replacement part.
“The equipment has been marked with hazard tape, though this has been tampered with twice since Wednesday. It also appears that the English Heritage flag has been removed from the flagpole on Scar Top.
“The condition of the swing has been reported as criminal damage to Durham Police. The town council has been told that foot patrols will be keeping the area under observation and, where appropriate, advisory notices will be delivered locally.”
PC Sonya Stewart, from Durham Police, said: “Damage has been caused to the swing, graffiti, litter and wood gouged out of the other equipment.
“Youth are congregating in this area and it is believed they are responsible.
“Please advise your children to use this area responsibly.”
Anyone with any information should contact PC Stewart in the resolution team at Durham Police, quoting DHM-21082019-0102.
