Leigh Skatepark Vandalised

RESIDENTS and Leigh Town Council have condemned “unacceptable” vandalism that has occurred the Leigh Skate Park whilst a major redevelopment scheme was underway there.

Leigh Town Council announced that there had been serious vandalism done to the site, halting and hampering the £48,000 worth of redevelopments currently underway at the park for the benefit of the community.

The incident has sparked fears that work to reopen the popular community space could now be delayed.

The ongoing project includes repairs to concrete ramp and bowls graffiti removal and a new fence, all designed to breathe new life into the much-use amenity.

Carole Mulroney, a leigh Town Councillor said: ‘Speaking as a resident, it’s deeply disappointing that someone, whoever they may be, feels free to disrupt and vandalise this work, designed to benefit our community.

“Anyone from Leigh knows what a great asset the skate park is, not only for our young people but for all the generations that benefit from it.

“But it’s those younger generations who are going to suffer if this continues to prevent it coming back into use.

“This is quite a costly scheme, as any construction project is, and this will cause further delays and costs.

“It’s disappointing that someone feels it’s appropriate to disrupt it.

“If anyone has any information on who is responsible, please contact the Town Clerk.”

The skate park was originally developed as a £280,000 youth facility, supported by £150,000 national lottery funding, and £20,000 funding from Southend youth council’s Fix It fund.

The park has been closed since the beginning of September to allow for regeneration work to take place.

A spokesperson from Leigh Town Council said: “Leigh Town Council is incredibly disappointed and frustrated to see that the skatepark has been vandalised.

“The Council is working hard to improve and invest in the skatepark for the benefit of the whole community, creating a better, safer and more enjoyable space for local young people and families to use.

“This is pure anti-social behaviour and it is not acceptable.

“Vandalism doesn’t just cause damage to a facility — it takes time and money to put right, diverting resources that could otherwise be used to improve the skatepark and provide more for the community.”

The Town Council has said it will be seeking to prosecute those responsible.

The spokesperson said: “We want to be clear that this behaviour will not be tolerated. If those responsible are identified, the Council will work with the relevant authorities and will pursue prosecution where appropriate”

If anyone has information relating to incident, they are asked to contact Essex Police or the Town Clerk at Leigh Town Council.

For Essex Police call 101, and the Town Council, call 01702 716288.

The spokesperson added: “Let’s work together to protect the skatepark and make sure it remains a positive space for everyone to enjoy.”

Picture: evidence of the damage. Pic LTC

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