Ludlow play areas at risk from cost of vandalism

With the cost of repairs that need to be made, money is running out to keep the play areas in the town in good condition, and if the "mindless vandalism" continues the future of both may be in jeopardy.

Ludlow Town Council is now calling on residents to be vigilant and help look out for vandalism.

Town clerk Gina Wilding said at one site on Wheeler Road rubber matting had been pulled up, with patches gouged out. At another play area on Housman Crescent council officers were called out almost every week to repair fencing.

She said: "Over the last 12 months the town council has repeatedly repaired patches in the rubber matting at Wheeler Road play area due to vandalism.

"To ensure the play area remains open and safe the whole of the rubber matting will need to be resurfaced.

"The cost of this will be £9,000.

"There are no further funds for repairs or resurfacing by the town council.

"If repeated vandalism continues the future of the play area may be in jeopardy."

It was a similar story at Housman Crescent, she said.

"On a weekly basis the town council has to repair the wooden fence surrounding the play area," she said.

"The town council would like to upgrade sections of the fence.

"If the vandalism continues the future of the play area may become uncertain," she said.

She said the town council had also received lots of complaints about loose dogs and fouling in Linney Riverside Park.