Park users asked to help tackle vandalism

Released: 1 April 2008

Wolverhampton City Council is asking park users to help it tackle a spate of vandalism at a recently restored open air theatre.

The theatre at Hickman Park, Bilston, was brought back to life over the winter thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It reopened in December and is due to host a wide-ranging programme of community events over the coming months.

But these are now in jeopardy after it became a target for mindless vandals who have sprayed graffiti over its walls and even attempted to set fire to the stage.

Now the city council has called on visitors to Hickman Park to help deal with the problem.

Head of parks and contracts John Pugh said: “The city council is doing everything it can to resolve this problem and we would encourage park users to help us bring the culprits to book by keeping an eye out and reporting any suspicious activity either to the rangers or the local police.

“Our rangers are doing their best to clean the graffiti away and repainting parts of the theatre, but the graffiti is appearing faster than they can clean it off.

“We have also had reports that someone has tried to set fire to the stage, and we fear that as the weather improves and the evenings get longer this vandalism will only get worse.

“We have a number of events, including a talent contest, storytelling and several brass bands, booked in during the spring and summer and which are aimed at the whole community.

“While we clearly don’t want to have to cancel any of these events, sadly they are in jeopardy because of the mindless thugs who are carrying out these wanton acts of vandalism.

“The open air theatre will be an important part of the community and we cannot allow the actions of a few spoil things for everyone else.”

Anyone who has information about the culprits or who witnesses vandalism taking place is encouraged to call the park rangers on 01902 550773, the council’s environmental services enforcement section on 01902 555184 or West Midlands Police on 0845 113 5000.

The open air theatre was given to the former Bilston Borough Council by Bilston Horticultural Society in June 1938, and played host to hundreds of plays and concerts over the years.

It fell into disuse 10 years ago but was given a new lease of life after the city council secured Heritage Lottery Fund cash to help pay for a series of improvements to Hickman Park.

Issued by the press office.