A newly built play park in Knowsley, Merseyside, has been vandalised before it even opened, leaving thousands of pounds in damage and delaying its use for local families. The Finch Woods play park, which cost £178,000, was targeted by what council leader Graham Morgan described as 'mindless vandalism'.
The park was due to open soon, allowing families to enjoy it before the new school term begins. However, the extent of the damage has thrown the opening schedule into doubt, and it is unclear when the facility will be able to operate safely.
Council leader condemns 'mindless behaviour'
Graham Morgan, leader of Knowsley Council, expressed his frustration over the incident. 'There is absolutely no reasoning behind this kind of mindless behaviour, but the impact is significant,' he told the BBC. 'The cost to repair the equipment, remove the paint and assess any safety implications or wider damage will run into thousands of pounds.'
Photographs of the scene show blue and yellow spray paint covering the new playset, the turf, and surrounding trees, which were also damaged. The vandalism has not only defaced the equipment but also raised safety concerns that require a full assessment before the park can be reopened.
Police investigate and appeal for information
Merseyside Police are reviewing CCTV footage in an attempt to identify the perpetrators. Anyone with information about the incident has been urged to contact the force directly. The police investigation is ongoing, and the council is cooperating fully.
Morgan added: 'We will work round the clock to get this park repaired and open for the local community to enjoy. We need to find those responsible and do all we can to ensure this kind of mindless vandalism doesn't happen again.'
The council has committed to repairing the park as quickly as possible, but the full extent of the damage and the time required for repairs remain unknown. The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who had been looking forward to using the new facility.
