Park volunteers blast infantile vandals

Park volunteers have lambasted a group of hoodlums who defaced park facilities in a disgusting vandalism spree.
Lilford ParkLilford Park
Lilford Park

The public toilets in Lilford Park were targeted earlier this week by unknown culprits, who caused significant damage to several parts of the facilities.

Smashed windows and evidence of attempts to start a fire were among a list of damage catalogued by park rangers upon discovery. The acts have been so disruptive that the volunteer team fears it may have to keep the toilets off-limits for the remainder of the school holidays.

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In a statement on its social media account, a spokesman for the Friends of Lilford Park community interest group said: “I am sorry to have to report that we have suffered some more vandalism in the park toilets today.

“The damage, though not permanent, is extremely frustrating and we are considering keeping the toilets closed during school holidays when the weather is particularly wet.”

The vandalism included: windows broken, with their shards from being used to try and start a bonfire along with the contents of the waste bins; toilet gender signs being swapped over; sinks clogged up with mud and mens toilet seats covered in mud.

In the stinging post, the group called the mindless act “an orgy of infantile vindictive mischief,” and branded the culprits a “sick bunch.”

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The post added: “They (the toilets) will remain closed until the repairs have been completed unless we are working nearby in the park.”

Penny McGinty, Wigan Council’s assistant director for corporate contracts and assets, said: “We share residents’ frustrations when mindless vandalism occurs as it spoils our assets and is unfair on those who work hard to maintain the local community. We encourage members of the public to report anti-social behaviour and vandalism to the police and to the council’s safer neighbourhood team so this activity can be monitored appropriately.

“We’re incredibly proud of our parks and greenspaces and encourage residents of all ages to help us maintain these areas so everybody can enjoy them.”

If you are aware of anti-social behaviour, you can call 101 or email the safer neighbourhood team at [email protected]