Council urges vigilance after spate of vandalism at play areas

Blackburn with Darwen Council is urging residents to be vigilant after a spate of vandalism at play areas in the borough.

The latest round of damage was done at Livesey Urban Park, Livesey Branch Road, which was developed as part of the Play Pathfinder initiative.

A tyre swing was damaged beyond repair after its supporting posts were sawn through.

The incident was reported to the police and recorded as criminal damage. 

With the cost to replace the swing standing at £4,000, and the installation of it likely to double that figure, an alternative piece of equipment is being sought for the site.

Other play areas to be vandalised recently include the playground on Burnley road, which has had £3000 of damage done to its flooring and youth shelter and Rothsey road which has had £1000 damage done to its flooring.

Now the Council is urging residents to be on guard and report any instances of vandalism.

Councillor Trevor Maxfield, executive member for culture, leisure and sport said: “I would advise all residents who live near or use any play facilities in Blackburn and Darwen to be vigilant. If you see any vandalism please report it to us or the police. We want to stamp this behaviour out so people can enjoy these facilities the way they were intended.”

Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for environment and sustainability, added: “We’re extremely lucky to have such a high standard of play area here in Blackburn and Darwen. Many other places don’t have  facilities anywhere near the same quality. 

"The Council is under increasing financial pressure and we do not want to have to spend money on replacing equipment, because of these mindless acts of vandalism, that could be better spent elsewhere.”