ATWORTH Parish Council has condemned what it describes as apparently “wilful vandalism” which is regularly targetting Atworth Recreation Ground. In one of the most recent incidents, equipment in the children’s play facility was damaged, leaving it unsafe and unusable.
In addition to the two pieces of play equipment damaged, over recent months the recreation ground has suffered from a large hole being cut into the chain link fence of the tennis court, dry stone walling damaged by inappropriate behaviour, and a wooden bench has been totally demolished, with pieces being thrown over a neighbouring wall.
“It is a huge shock and a disappointment to see this happen in such a close-knit and friendly village”, said the parish council’s chair, Effie Gale-Sides. “The recreation ground is a registered charity and operates on a low income from village hall hire receipts. Volunteers will now have to spend many hours and a significant amount of money to repair the damage.”
The parish council is asking all residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious actions to the police by calling 101. Information can also be relayed to the clerk to the parish council, Phil McMullen Email: atworth clerk@gmail.com
