Vandals targeted Hillbrow play area in Letchworth GC

VANDALS have set fire to a newly-refurbished play area, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Vandals targeted Hillbrow play area in Letchworth GC

North Herts District Council (NHDC) had spent £50,000 improving the play facilities at Hillbrow in Letchworth GC, which were targeted by vandals last weekend.

Part of the play area has been cordoned off until the damage can be assessed and repaired, and it is estimated to be out of action for several months.

The council says the cost of replacing the damaged equipment will be at least £8500.

NHDC had improved the play area with new equipment, including an adventure rope climbing tower, an aerial runway, a hammock swing, junior and cradle swings, a tunnel slide, log bridges and smaller climbing frames.

Cllr Peter Burt, the council’s portfolio holder for waste, recycling and environment, said: “We have recently invested in a range of equipment at this play area to give young people a chance to get outdoors, play imaginatively and challenge themselves.

“This kind of thoughtless criminal damage not only affects those who use the play area, but the whole community. The cost of repairing the damage means using money that could be invested in other facilities. I would urge people to get in touch if they know anything about this act of vandalism.”

If anyone has any information about the incident, call Herts Police on the non-emergency number 101.