Help stamp out vandalism, says OIC

Orkney Islands Council has asked for the public’s help in stamping out vandalism of play parks, following deliberate damage to the Peedie Breeks play park over the weekend.

OIC sport and leisure service manager Garry Burton said: “It is very distressing for play park users to see their facilities mistreated, and damaged equipment is of course a safety concern.

“For these reasons we’d ask anyone who witnesses suspicious or behaviour around playparks or who hears or sees damage being carried out to please notify the police as soon as they can – your phone call could stop an incident growing out of control and leading to lasting damage. We’d also urge people to report any damaged equipment to the Council so that it can be made safe immediately.

“The council maintains over 40 play parks across Orkney. While fortunately vandalism is not as big a problem here as in some other council areas, we are a small council and we don’t have the budget to repair damage of this kind – in some cases we may be forced simply to remove damaged equipment.

“Anyone who is tempted to be dragged into situations where play park equipment is being mistreated is reminded that the council does take damage to taxpayer-funded facilities very seriously – all instances of vandalism are followed up and wherever possible prosecutions are pursued.”