Vandals target Newbury's Splash Park

"This is a horrendous act of vandalism, on one of our most enjoyed play areas," says council leader

MINDLESS vandals have poured ready mix concrete over Victoria Park’s Splash Pad in a “horrendous act”, Newbury Town Council has said.

The water play area, which opened in May, was covered in the concrete overnight on Tuesday, December 7, after thieves stole the bag from building supplies secured behind fencing at the bowls club in the park.

The vandals also poured the mix into the water supply drainage system in an apparent attempt to cause maximum damage to the popular feature.

Leader of the Council, Dave Goff, said: “This is a horrendous act of vandalism, on one of our most enjoyed play areas which could have cost Newbury Town Council a significant sum to repair.

“We would urge anyone who has any information about who may have committed this cruel act of vandalism to call the Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting crime reference number: 43160344459.

“Through quick action and hard work our Grounds Maintenance Team has managed to save the Splash Park and the drainage systems have successfully been flushed through but this could have easily been a disaster for the play facility.

“The Splash Park will be ready to open in spring 2017 as planned for children to enjoy once again.”

The £85,000 project, overseen by Newbury Town Council and installed by Waterplay Solutions, was funded by West Berkshire Council and Greenham Common Trust.