Vandals trash kid's playpark on Solus Estate in Colchester

Ketchup was left smeared all over the slides and climbing equipment at the park in John Mace Road on the Solus Estate in Berechurch.

The vandalism was discovered on Wednesday morning and is believed to have taken place on Tuesday evening or over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Ward councillor Dave Harris (Lab, Berechurch) hit out at the "mindless" vandals.

 

He said: "I am pretty offended about it to be honest. It stops little kids using the playpark.

"With it being the Easter holidays young children don't really have anywhere else to go at the moment.

"Some people would call it childish pranks, but when it effects young children like this it is more than that. It is mindless."

 

Mr Harris has reported the vandalism, which included rude scrawls made out of the ketchup, to Colchester Council's neighbourhood team.

 

Wardens will visit the playpark to clean up the mess as soon as possible.

 

Mr Harris said he is considering putting up a reward to help catch the culprits in an attempt to catch the yobs.

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He said: "I am talking to the police and council about the idea of offering a reward for information.

"This would mean they would be prosecuted but I think the message needs to get out there this kind of thing won't be tolerated.

"In some ways some young people hanging around in the park and eating a meal with their friends is something we want to encourage.

"They are outside and there's more opportunity for social distancing. But they have to clear up after themselves."