Town playground shut after vandalism - councillor

Councillor Richard MacRae says the vandalism was a "big concern"

A playground on a recreation ground in Nottinghamshire has been closed after vandalism, a councillor has said.

Repairs will commence at Hickings Lane Recreation Ground in Stapleford after the trampoline and climbing frame in the play area were vandalised.

Richard MacRae, who is representing the Stapleford North ward, said it was "really sad" people could not enjoy the park.

It also comes after a rise in deliberate fires in the area, according to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The playground, now padlocked shut, is awaiting repair

The service added that eight such fires were recorded around the recreation ground in the last three months.

MacRae said Broxtowe Borough Council workers were waiting for replacement parts for the play apparatus before the repairs could begin.

He added: “Not only are [the offenders] vandalising the park, which now has to be paid for using money that can be spent on something else. The fires are now bringing a danger element to it."

The playground, which was shut on Monday, had been busy in the summer, the councillor added.

“We need the community to come together and be the eyes and ears for the police," MacRae said.

"We just need these people to stop doing this because nobody wins at the end of the day.

“On a lovely summery day, it’s really busy, and it’s great to see. But now it’s closed and people can’t use it, it’s just really sad for everyone, the youngsters are missing out as well as the parents taking their kids out.”

He said the acts of vandalism were reported to Nottinghamshire Police, who had been approached for comment.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue said it was competing home safety checks in the neighbourhood and prevention work was under way to reduce arson.