Another vandalism attack on a recently redeveloped park in Quirindi has forced the council to consider CCTV surveillance to prevent repeats of the incident.
ANOTHER vandalism attack on a recently redeveloped park in Quirindi has forced the council to consider CCTV surveillance to prevent repeats of the incident.
Mayor Ian Lobsey said the weekend attack on the gate into Bell Park was the third such incident since new play equipment was installed about four weeks ago.
He is worried the vandalism might escalate to attacks on the new equipment, worth about $214,500.
“I think the community will be very, very disappointed if this was destroyed because of some unfortunate people,” Cr Lobsey said.
The council will consider installing CCTV cameras at the park.
Signs will also be erected to warn against vandalism and misuse of vehicles in the park, and rangers will increase patrols.
Resident Donna Lawson, who instigated the redevelopment of the park, said it was frustrating to see this happen.
“It does leave a bad taste in your mouth, when you’ve put so much personal time and effort into it,” Mrs Lawson said.
She said some young people had ripped down barricades and signs surrounding the unfinished climbing frame section of the park and used the equipment.
To disregard the signs and barricades was bad enough, Mrs Lawson said, but to rip them down also potentially put other children, who were unaware they should not use the equipment, at risk.
She said the majority of people respected and appreciated the new equipment, but it was only a handful who were causing problems.
The park was constructed by volunteers with a Shenhua Watermark community grant.
Cr Lobsey has asked anyone who sees suspicious behaviour to report it to the police and the council.