VANDALS BLASTED (From Warrington Guardian)

VANDALS BLASTED

VANDALS were condemned this week for causing more than £2,000 worth of damage to a newly-created beauty spot.

They rampaged through Sunnybank, a former tip off Barrows Green Lane, which was only reclaimed last year by Halton Council.

Hooligans have smashed two specially commissioned sculptures, destroyed a sculptured notice board and damaged the boardwalk used by school groups for pond dipping exercises.

Halton View councillor Rob Polhill said:"This is something which was a tip but has been turned into a recreational facility for the local community.

"It is absolutely appalling that a few vandals could cause so much damage.

"We will be doing all we can to trace those responsible."

Halton Council is urging anyone with information about the culprits to contact the police.

A spokesman for the local authority said:"Everyone involved with the Sunnybank project is extremely disappointed and angry about the vandalism.

"The Sunnybank site is one which the Council is particularly proud of and one which it has invested heavily in.

"As well as reclaiming the site and developing it for the community, we have recently planted 25,000 bulbs, more trees and have resurfaced the bridleway to further improve the site.

"The area is greatly used by the local community as well as school groups and this mindless vandalism has an effect on thier enjoyment of the site."

He said the boardwalk will be repaired as a matter of urgency and efforts will be made to fix the sculptures, though, sadly, they may have to be removed.

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