'We need to put a stop to this': vandals strike again at community park

Ian Milne, who leads the parish council team on Easebourne Park, said: “We have suffered a little bit of low-level anti-social behaviour and damage to the park and to the Roundhouse.

“We have decided that we need to do something positive in terms of getting CCTV.

“We are going to try and get security to sort out the device so we can use the evidence that it gathers to help police deal with the miscreants. It’s very expensive.

“Crowd funding from the community was an idea that came from a parishioner.

“We are meeting on Monday to decide which option to go with.

“I would rather not put up the precepts.”

A Facebook post on Easebourne Parish Council’s page said: “Sad to see more episodes of vandalism and disrespectful behaviour.

“We believe from reports we are receiving that most of this mindless vandalism is the work of a small group of more senior students.

“Every incident Is being reported to the police.

“We are now talking to our security partner about the use of recording equipment during their visits.

“Next week we will have news on the proposed installation of CCTV cameras and a Crowdfunding campaign to contribute to the expected £5000+ cost.

“Any financial impact on Parish Council funds will sadly mean an increase in everyone’s council tax next year and the potential postponement of new facilities that we’ve been planning until we know we can protect them.

“We need to put a stop to this.

“The Park is such an amazing asset to the community and it deserves to be respected and available for all to enjoy.”

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