Leaders' fury at park fire vandals

Sep 1 2005 By Neil Elkes, Evening Mail

YOBS who set fire to a city park causing £10,000 of damage were today slammed by community leaders.

The arsonists torched playground equipment at Doe Bank Park, on the Pheasey estate in Great Barr. It was one of a string of vandal attacks and fires at the park over the summer months.

Local councillors have now pledged that the damage will be repaired, but have called on the community to help catch and stop the vandals.

Coun Chris Towe (Cons, Pheasey Park Farm) said: "I am disgusted that yobs destroyed this equipment at huge cost of £10,000 to the council taxpayer.

"We need people to help us catch these yobs and put the cost on the vandals not local taxpayers."

However there is also good news for local youngsters as borough park bosses have been given £24,000 for a new multi-use sports pitch for football, basketball and cricket to be installed by Christmas.

Coun Towe added: "It is unfortunate that with this extra investment in Doe Bank Park that the council has to find more money to clear up mindless vandalism."