Play area re-opens (From Stroud News and Journal)

Play area re-opens

A RECREATION ground in Stonehouse which was closed after vandals left smashed glass on the basketball court and removed bolts from play equipment has re-opened.

Oldends play area in Stonehouse was vandalised at the end of May, and shut for a couple of weeks while the equipment was repaired.

Town clerk Richard Lacey said: "A number of specialist bolts had been taken out of the equipment, which was exceptionally dangerous because it looked like the equipment was okay, but in fact they were very unstable."

He said the park is mainly used by very young children with their mothers, and called on local residents to help ensure it remains vandal-free in the future.

"It's just very disappointing to see this sort of thing happen," he added. "We have no idea who did it but the police were informed.

"We just hope the people who live nearby will keep a close eye out and report any further incidents to the police."

As well as the removal of the bolts and the smashed glass, a side panel from the play equipment was thrown onto the nearby railway track.

The police said they have received complaints about vandalism at the playing field since the beginning of May, including reports of people riding quad bikes.

Insp Dave McFarlane of Stonehouse police, said officers will be making spot checks, and will deal firmly with any offenders.

"Our officers have been made aware of the concerns with regard to Oldends playing field and the will be making checks on the area," he said.

Anyone with information about criminal activity in or around Oldends Lane is asked to call Stonehouse police on 0845 090 1234.