Plea to be 'eyes and ears' to deter park vandals

Ward Jackson Park has had Green Flag Award status since 2008

An appeal has been made for local people to be the “eyes and ears” of a park which has been hit by a spate of vandalism.

Hartlepool Council said grass at Ward Jackson Park had been damaged by motorbikes and scooters and that plants had been ripped up from flower beds.

The authority also said bowlers had been verbally abused and had objects thrown at them while on the green.

It is urging visitors to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.

Many of the flower beds have been destroyed during a recent spate of attacks

Gary Allen, councillor for the Victoria ward, said: “The park has brought pleasure to generations of residents and visitors alike, and together we can stop a mindless few spoiling it for the rest of us.

"We won’t tolerate the vandalism and anti-social behaviour we’ve seen recently from a few appalling people.

"We’re asking residents to help us protect the park by being its ‘eyes and ears’ and contacting the police immediately if they see any incidents or suspicious behaviour or have any information about the culprits."

The park has had Green Flag Award status since 2008 in recognition of its well-managed green spaces.

Mr Allen said vandalism had damaged many of the flower beds which now had to be left empty until they could be restocked.

Police say they will not tolerate the anti-social behaviour blighting the park

Acting Inspector Chris Phelan, of Cleveland Police, said: “Ward Jackson Park is a lovely family park that everyone should be able to enjoy, without anti-social behaviour spoiling their visit.

“Activity such as those reported to police over the past few months in the park will not be tolerated."