Damage to popular local park costs council thousands of pounds

We’re calling on residents who use or live near Stanmer Park playground to be vigilant after a spate of attacks on the equipment.

Vandals have caused more than £8,000 worth of damage to the play area which was installed brand new just a few months ago.

A series of strikes have been carried out including smashed wooden panels and perspex window frames on the multiplay, damage to the slide, play equipment left dangerous to children by screws and bolts being left loosened, while razor sharp screws have been left sticking out of wood.

The vandals have even snapped new, young trees and removed the support stakes.

'Appalling damage to a lovely playground'

Councillor Martin Osborne, ward councillor for Hollingdean & Stanmer, said: “This damage is really appalling as £60,000 was spent installing what is a lovely playground for children to use.

“But more importantly, it’s also extremely dangerous for children that are using the playground as bolts are being loosened and screws being left exposed.”

Half of the £60,000 installation was donated by two former residents of Stanmer Village, Jamie and Viv Hooper.

Vandals making park unsafe

But since the new year, it has become a target for vandals out to cause trouble and make the equipment unsafe.

Jamie and Viv said: “We’re extremely upset that the funds we gave to provide enjoyment to children with their families visiting Stanmer, including young and disabled children, should be abused in such a way, especially at a time when people are limited in their outings to their local parks.”

Councillor Osborne added: “Our parks staff are having to continually check the equipment to ensure it’s safe for children to play on, but there aren’t the resources to do this every day.

Please report the vandalism 

“We’d like everyone to be on the alert and report any vandalism being carried out to the police on number 101 or by emailing cityparks@brighton-hove.gov.uk.”