'Frustration' over vandalism at newly opened park

A newly redeveloped park in Nottinghamshire will need costly repairs after being vandalised, officials have said.

Sherwood Avenue Play Park in Newark was officially opened in May after a £500,000 refit.

But, during the weekend, it was defaced with graffiti, horse manure was left in the park and a water fountain was torn out, causing flooding in the play area.

Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said he shared the community's "frustration and concern" following the vandalism.

The park was designed after a consultation with residents and features a skate park, a sport themed "active zone" and a "play zone" with accessible equipment.

The project was overseen by both the district council and Newark Town Council.

Barbara Corrigan, mayor of the town council, said she was "deeply saddened" by the attack on a "cherished community space".

"While we don't have the costs for repair yet, it will be significant," she added.

"Such behaviour is not only unacceptable - it undermines the hard work of our council teams, volunteers, and residents who take pride in our town."

Peakcock said: "Acts of anti-social behaviour like this are not only disheartening - they are a direct attack on the spaces that bring our communities together."

The vandalism has been reported to police, and Corrigan and Peacock both appealed for anyone with any information to come forward.

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