Play equipment removed after vandalism

Play equipment has been removed from a Whitchurch park after problems with underage drinking and vandalism, it was revealed today.

Volunteers who run the Queensway Playing Fields say anti-social behaviour has become such a problem at the park in recent months police have been called out several times.

They say several pieces of equipment have now been taken away because they were damaged beyond repair.

Barry Hale, chairman of the Queensway committee, said certain play items had been mistreated by older children, who were too large for the equipment, and as a result it had been taken out.

"It's just the big kids, they were told and told not to go on it and we put signs up which they ripped down and they just mistreat it," he said.

"In their way they are having fun and their attitude is that we can buy another one. We only had to take some things away, and it was mainly the wooden things that were just damaged beyond repair.

"We've also had a lot of drinking going on in the park and it is an alcohol-free zone but it doesn't seem to stop people from drinking.

"The police come to visit when we call them but it makes us feel a bit despondent because of all the work that goes on over the years," he added.

Mr Hale added the committee would meet on Wednesday to discuss spending plans for the park, which included provision of new play equipment.