Vandalism ruins new community pond after just one use
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Work to improve a local pond has been ruined by vandals after just one use.
A project to improve the pond at Leamore Park was carried out by local company Starmac Surfacing Ltd. This work was completed through Walsall Council’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Starmac dug out a bigger pond where one had been situated previously, before supplying and fitting the pond lining. This work transformed the pond from an unusable site to a place children could enjoy.
The area was first put to use by Walsall Council’s healthy spaces team on March 17, for a session where toddlers enjoyed pond dipping and exploration. The site is surrounded by a fence and locked overnight.
However, the following day the team arrived to find a vandalised site. The lining of the pond had been pulled out and destroyed, causing the pond to completely drain into the ground below.
“ Situations like this are quite frankly demoralising. So much good work has been carried out here to create something for our children in Walsall to enjoy.
“I can’t thank the businesses who come forward and help us deliver projects like this enough.
"We want everyone to take pride in the borough and our surroundings. I would encourage residents to consider how they can support their local parks and green spaces.
“We also need everyone to take a stand against antisocial behaviour. If you become aware of any criminal damage or vandalism or have information about suspicious activity, please report it to our Community Protection team or the police. If you wish to remain anonymous, reports can be made to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. “
This incident has been reported to West Midlands Police. Residents can find out more about volunteering opportunities in parks and green spaces, including details of Friends Groups on the council website.
Reports of vandalism, criminal damage or other anti-social behaviour can be reported to the Community Protection team by emailing CommunityProtection@walsall.gov.uk or calling 01922 653060.
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