Heartbreaking vandalism of new £280k play park

The leader of Torridge District Council says he's "very disappointed" that a new play park in Bideford has been vandalised, leading to it being closed just six months after it was installed at a cost of £280,000.

The facility in Victoria Park, which came about through a collaboration of local organisations and funders, was defaced with blue masonry paint this week.

Paint was thrown over the basket swing, spring see-saw, climbing unit, slide, and surrounding surfaces. A cleansing company is rectifying the mess so the play park can re-open.

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"Unfortunately, due to the extent of the vandalism and number of resources required, this will take multiple attempts until the clean-up is complete and the park ready for use again," it said.

Council leader Ken James (Ind, Milton and Tamarside) said: "I am very disappointed that this important and much used and loved community asset has been vandalised in this way.

"Our officers are working hard with our partners and agents to re-open the play area as soon as possible.

"I would like to thank them for their hard work and extend my thanks to the police who we are working closely with to identify those responsible for this anti-social behaviour."

Chair of the council Doug Bushby (Ind, Bideford North) said when the new park opened in April that it was "spectacular" and "a truly collaborative project".

Finance was provided through the council's capital funding programme, a £119,000 grant from the Bideford Bridge Trust, community fundraising led by Robin Glover, a Bideford Town Council contribution of £10,000 and a £150,000 grant from the government's Rural England Prosperity Fund.

Contractors and local tradespeople worked weekends and extra shifts to ensure the park could be completed for Easter after one of the wettest winters on record.