Town Estate sounds appeal after arson and vandal attacks in Melton parks
Senseless vandalism in Melton’s parks has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Melton Mowbray Town Estate is appealing to the public for information and support following this latest devastating wave of criminal damage across its parks and gardens.
Recent incidents include the destruction of 70 Heras security fencing panels and arson attacks on seven historic Victorian benches, each valued at £1,400.
The cost of repairs to the Town Estate following these incidents, such as hiring tree surgeons or paying staff for extra litter picking, diverts limited resources from other park activities.
Poppy wreaths from the Remembrance Day service have also been senselessly thrown around the memorial gardens.
It follows a number of incidents reported last year, when the maintenance costs for the parks ran into tens of thousands of pounds, with the vast majority attributable to criminal damage.
The Town Estate is urging residents to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately if they see it happening.
CEO Dean Rees commented: “Every pound spent repairing senseless damage is a pound taken away from improving the town's parks and hosting local events.
"This kind of vandalism also has a knock-on effect on wildlife in and around the parks and the river.”
An Events Village has been set up in Play Close Park to cater for the packed programme of live music, open air movies and other public entertainment planned this summer.
There has been some online criticism about the fencing which has been put up to protect the infrastructure spoiling the setting of the parks.
But Mr Rees said recent vandalism proved why it was necessary.
He added: "We understand the complaints that the fencing is unattractive, but it is a critical security measure.
"The newly-converted bar container units were very expensive for our supplier to build.
"The fencing is there to prevent arson, deter vandalism, and safely manage our licensed capacity of 500 people so we can keep running events for the community."
This weekend’s events include an open air screening in Play Close Park of the Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG.
There will be an ‘80s and ‘90s music Weekend Brunch on Sunday from noon to 8pm in the park.