THE CONTINUED defacing of parks in Rubery has caused local councillors to push for police support to clamp down on the ‘mindless vandals’.
The vandalism prevalent at Brook Road Park and St Chads Park has urged Bromsgrove District Councillors, Peter McDonald and Esther Gray, to call on local police and council officers to collaborate in an effort to reduce the anti-social behaviour.
Bromsgrove District Council has replaced two bike repair stands in Brook Road Park and has repeatedly had to cover up graffiti on benches in the area.
And offenders at St Chads Park have dug up safety tarmac surrounding the play area, making the park unsafe for children.
Coun McDonald said: “These vandals, which we believe are a minority of those using the park, are guilty of the crime of intentionally damaging property belonging to the local authority which we all pay for through our council tax.
“We cannot let vandals dictate to us what we can have and cannot have in our parks.
“These mindless vandals need to be caught and face the consequences of their actions.
“Hopefully, working closely with the police and council officers we can bring them to book.”
Coun Gray said: “I am shocked at the damage caused at St Chads Park. Vandalism is costing the Council a considerable amount of money which could be spent for the betterment of the park.”
Sergeant Suki Gosal, Alvechurch and Wythall Safer Neighbourhood Team said: ‘‘We are working in partnership with the local councillors and Bromsgrove District Council to address vandalism reports at Brook Park Road and St Chads Park in Rubery.
“We understand residents’ concerns for these communal green spaces and would like to reassure the community that our Safer Neighbourhood Teams are carrying out extra patrols to provide reassurance at both parks.”
