THOUSANDS of pounds of damage has been caused to equipment in Hellingly this year, according to the Parish Council.
Various items in Hellingly Country Park have been set on fire including benches, tables, Pavilion decking and the Cricket outfield and the costs of replacing items and fixing damage are rising.
Parish Clerk, Jenny Hoodless said: “The cost of repairing the furniture and other items comes out of residents’ council tax, so whoever is doing this, your parents will have to pay the increased council tax charges!”
Photographs show a seating area vandalised with paint and litter thrown across the bench and nearby area despite being metres from a rubbish bin.
In February, another park bench was set on fire which Police are investigating.
Jenny added after the incident: “Unfortunately, last night, a fire was deliberately set at the Cricket Pavilion bench. This is extremely disappointing and deeply concerning, as it poses a serious safety risk.
“Our grounds team works incredibly hard to keep the park beautiful for everyone to enjoy, and it’s disheartening that a small minority do not respect this.”
If anyone has any information about this incident, please get in touch with Police or the Parish Council.
