Vandalism only strengthens park partnerships

Work to repair four benches at Glossop's Manor Park is already underway after they were vandalised earlier this week.

High Peak Borough Council is restoring the slats and repairing damage caused - and has pledged that the incident will serve to strengthen partnership working and support for the Friends groups and volunteers that invest their time in helping to care for parks and public spaces.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: "There is simply no excuse for mindless vandalism such as this carried out by a small number of people who seek to spoil the enjoyment of our parks by everyone else. Our message is clear - you won't!

"We are proud of our beautiful parks in the High Peak and we, in partnership with dedicated volunteers and Friends groups across the Borough, work hard to keep them that way. Here at Manor Park we are already undertaking the repairs to the benches so as to minimise the inconvenience to park users and restore the amenities quickly.

"Whilst it is extremely disappointing that such thoughtless, selfish acts occur, we are heartened by the knowledge that the majority of those who spend time in our parks and shared public spaces do so responsibly and value and respect the leisure and recreational opportunities they provide.

"We want to harness the enthusiasm people have for their local park and I will be meeting with the Friends of Manor Park in the coming days to see how the Council can support them, and other Friends groups, and strengthen our partnership."

The Council is appealing to anyone who may have information about the incident to contact Derbyshire Police's Glossop Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101.