Mindless vandals have been condemned after going on the rampage and causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to an adventure playground and sensory centre in Low Hill.

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They struck at Old Fallings Adventure Playground on Sunday (26 June, 2016) - the latest in a string attacks on the facility by yobs over the last 3 months.

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 has been forced to close the building due to the severity of the latest attack in order to assess the damage, and is now appealing for help to trace the culprits.

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "This was mindless vandalism at its very worst, which has wrecked a much loved community facility used by children and young people, including those with a disability.

"Old Fallings Adventure Playground is a fantastic centre and for people to treat it this way is heart breaking. The vandals have caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage, money that the council and the city's taxpayers can ill afford.

"The sensory rooms in particular have been trashed beyond recognition, with valuable equipment especially designed for use by young people with a disability totally destroyed.

"I'd urge anyone who has any information about this weekend's attack - or indeed any of the other incidents of vandalism this year - to please call police as soon as possible on 101 so we can bring the culprits to book."

She added: "We will be leafleting the local community to let them know what has happened and will also be inviting residents to show their support by helping us with the recovery of Old Fallings Adventure Playground in the coming weeks."

Sgt Gavin Plumridge from Oxley, Bushbury and Low Hill Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We are currently investigating 5 offences of vandalism reported at the Old Fallings Adventure Playground between 25 April and 27 June, 2016 and are working closely together with staff in an attempt to prevent further incidents.

"Officers have provided forensic marking equipment to be used at the location which will help in identifying the people responsible. Officers have also been provided a key to the grounds which will allow them to patrol the area throughout the day and night.

"The team are determined to identify the offenders responsible and will take all possible steps to prevent further damage to this great community asset.

"If you have any information regarding these offences then please contact a member of the team by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

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: Wednesday 29 June, 2016