SIR – I was appalled to read the response of Derek Sheard, a Walsworth councillor, to the wanton vandalism of the Skatepark on the common. It is not surprising that the site has been damaged. It is a type of territorial marking I suppose. As long as the

SIR - I was appalled to read the response of Derek Sheard, a Walsworth councillor, to the wanton vandalism of the Skatepark on the common.

"It is not surprising that the site has been damaged. It is a type of territorial marking I suppose. As long as the council clean it away on a regular basis, then it should not be too bad".

Too bad! What hope is there when a man, who purports to speak for the people of Walsworth, fails to condemn this sort of behaviour? No wonder we have a generation of children who never seem to have been taught right from wrong; who despoil any surface with graffiti; wreck the waste bins and break the glass in the bus shelters when marking their territory.

I would point out to Mr Sheard that my council tax will pay for the council employees to go and clear up after these vandals on a regular basis and I do not find this acceptable. I hope other Walsworth residents will remember his attitude when the time comes to re-elect him.

Joyce Donald

Willian Road

Hitchin

SIR - 'Ramping up the response', The Comet October 12. I was very angry to read that vandals had already hit the new skatepark at Walsworth Common, even before it was opened.

It proves yet again that there are a small minority who want to decimate any effort to provide facilities for the good of the community. However if that made me cross, the response by Hitchin Walsworth councillor Derek Sheard ramped up my anger. He is quoted as saying: "It's a type of territorial marking I suppose." He goes on to say: "As long as the council clean it, then it should not be too bad."

Does Mr Sheard think that his remarks instil confidence in the public? His attitude to this incident is appalling. I am aware that it is difficult to police these areas 24/7 however he might have condemned the act. If someone spray-painted his house tonight I wonder if he would take such a laissez-faire attitude.

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