Witnesses are being sought after thieves broke into an adventure playground and sensory centre in Low Hill and caused thousands of pounds' worth of damage.

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They broke into Old Fallings Adventure Playground overnight on Thursday 16 February, 2017, smashing up the kitchen area and stealing property.

It is the latest in a series of attacks on the popular facility on Old Fallings Crescent by yobs over the last 12 months.

Last summer, vandals went on the rampage and caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage when they smashed sensory equipment, doors and windows, and wrecked polytunnels and fruit beds in the grounds. They also started a fire and smeared excrement over a wall.

The City of Wolverhampton Council was forced to close the building, and the centre was still recovering from that attack when it was again targeted last week.

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "This latest incident is absolutely devastating, not only for the staff at Old Fallings Adventure Playground but also the children and young people, including those with a disability, who use the centre.

"I'd urge anyone who has any information about Thursday night's attack - or indeed any of the other incidents of vandalism which have occurred at Old Fallings Adventure Playground - to please call police as soon as possible on 101 so we can bring the culprits to book."

Marlene Lambeth, Secretary of the FOS and Friends Tenants' Association, said: "We are utterly devastated to find out that this playground and its building has been vandalised and destroyed yet again by reckless minded individuals. Our community is suffering due to these mindless vandals."

Councillor Gibson added: "Old Fallings Adventure Playground is a fantastic centre and for people to treat it this way is heart breaking. The incidents of vandalism have caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage, with valuable equipment especially designed for use by young people with a disability totally destroyed.

Old Fallings Adventure Playground is managed by the City of Wolverhampton  Council and offers open access play for children aged between 5 and 12. In addition it offers a base to a number of community organisations, sensory rooms and play experiences for disabled children and their families, and gardening experiences for families.

  • released: Friday 24 February, 2017