VANDALISM at children’s play areas across Barnsley has cost more than £100,000 to repair in the last five years, according to latest figures obtained by the Chronicle.
The alarming cost has led Barnsley Council to issue a warning to those responsible this week as their behaviour is putting playgrounds’ futures at risk due to safety fears and reduced budgets.
Damaged equipment has to be removed and although the council has repaired or replaced items such as soft flooring and swings, a lack of funds to continue doing so could mean that might not always be possible at the 143 play areas it’s responsible for.
Coun Jenny Platts, cabinet spokesperson, said: “Our outdoor play areas are an important part of Barnsley’s local communities. Not only do they provide children, young people and families with a place to meet and play, they also help our children and young people to keep healthy and active.
“It’s disappointing when we get the news that a play area has been vandalised and it’s very sad that a small minority of people think that this kind of behaviour is acceptable.
“While we try to repair or replace equipment, this is not always possible meaning that the actions of a few people spoil the enjoyment for whole communities.”
Worst-hit play areas include:
Millennium Green, Grimethorpe.
Littleworth Lane, Lundwood.
Leslie Road, Kendray.
Plumpton Park, Shafton.
Newstead Road, Athersley.
Grimethorpe alone had £28,000 spent on replacing fire-damaged equipment due to two arson attacks in 2016 and 2017, while the council say it costs £300 each time they have to clean up a playground of its dumped waste.
However, a recent blackspot has been Cudworth Park’s multi-use games area, which had its soft flooring burnt by yobs who set wheelie bins alight last Friday and caused £2,500 in damage.
Coun Charlie Wraith, who represents the Cudworth ward, called for parents of the youngsters responsible to be billed for the repair work.
“It’s been an on and off problem for a while in Cudworth Park now but it’s escalated somewhat in the past week or so,” he told the Chronicle. “I’m fed up of it, as are those who bring their children into the park to use its facilities.
“I don’t think people realise just how much things cost to replace. It’s mindless vandalism and I think parents should be taking more responsibility for what their children are up to.
“They should be made to pay for the damage if their child is caught and also given a hefty fine to send out a message to others.
“I’m not saying it’s every child as that’s not fair, it’s the minority who seem intent on ruining things for others.
“If the situation does not improve, we won’t be able to continue replacing damaged flooring and equipment as we simply don’t have an endless supply on money.
“It’s cost the council thousands in recent years and it makes everyone who tries to make these areas a better place want to give up.”
Coun Platts appealed for the public to give information if they know who is responsible.
“Unfortunately, for the second weekend in a row, the play area in Cudworth Park has been damaged by vandals,” she added.
“These people have caused approximately £2,500 of damage.
“This is money that the council doesn’t have and that could be spent on something more beneficial. We’re working with the police to find the people who are responsible.
“If anyone knows anything about the people who are responsible for causing damage, we urge them to contact safer@barnsley.gov.uk or complete the online form on our website.”
