Parents disgusted as Kingswood playground closed after being desecrated by ‘selfish’ yobs

The Council have closed off the ‘unsafe’ site
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A playground in Kingswood has been shut off after ‘selfish’ yobs caused damage at the popular spot, rendering it unusable.

Local mum Emma Yard said her parents witnessed a group of teenagers ripping up rubber surfacing at Lees Hill playground on Sunday ( August 21).

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When she arrived with her three-year-old to play at the site later, she found the playground shut off with huge holes all over it as well as a chunk of flooring stuck to the climbing frame.

A sign has now been attached to the gate by South Gloucestershire Council declaring the playground ‘out of use’ due to the damage.

Emma, who meets up with her mum and stepdad at the playground with her child frequently, said she had been left ‘disgusted and upset’ by what happened.

A large section of tarmac was ripped up near the roundabout. Pics by Emma J Yard.A large section of tarmac was ripped up near the roundabout. Pics by Emma J Yard.
A large section of tarmac was ripped up near the roundabout. Pics by Emma J Yard.

She added: “Another mother took her three-year-old not long after we left and later posted photos of his knees after he tripped and fell on the broken floor.

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“[She was] not being able to stop him doing what a toddler instinctively does, which is to run into the playground.

“It’s just disgusting mindless behaviour and I hope they come forward.”

Tarmac was strewn all over causing one toddler to fall over and injure himself.Tarmac was strewn all over causing one toddler to fall over and injure himself.
Tarmac was strewn all over causing one toddler to fall over and injure himself.

Pictures of the damage were posted to the Kingswood People Facebook group, and according to locals leaving comments it’s not the first time the playground has been disrespected.

Kelly McGrane said: “I walk my dog there on a morning and a few days there have been bottles, caps and even disposable barbecues left in tennis and basketball court. Selfish, mindless idiots.”

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June Bennett, who also saw the playground had been closed during her morning walk, said: “So now the children who enjoyed the use of this park have no where to play until it’s repaired.

“Why do a small number of people think it’s fun to spoil the enjoyment of others? Feeling really cross.”

A chunk of tarmac was stuck to the climbing frame.A chunk of tarmac was stuck to the climbing frame.
A chunk of tarmac was stuck to the climbing frame.

What South Gloucestershire Council said

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “The Lee Hills play area has been closed on health and safety grounds as a result of vandalism to the rubber safer surfacing that we believe took place on Saturday, August 20.

“We are currently assessing the damage and looking in to making repairs to the surfacing which will be carried out as soon as possible.

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“We have reported the vandalism to the police and if anyone has any information that will help identify the person(s) responsible, they should contact the police on 101, or the council on 01454 868000.”

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