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'Mindless' vandals wreck new 178k Halewood play park before it even opens

The Knowsley park was set to open for families to use over the next few days

[Damage caused to the play park in Halewood]

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Damage caused to the play park in Halewood(Image: Knowsley Council)

A park in Merseyside has been vandalised before it even opened. Significant damage has been caused to the new 178k play park at Finch Woods in Halewood, which was due to open for families to this week. There is damage to every piece of equipment which was spray painted over the weekend. There has also been damage to trees, safety surfacing and the site left strewn with plastic bags.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: "I am absolutely furious to see the damage that has occurred at Finch Woods. There is absolutely no reasoning behind this kind of mindless behaviour, but the impact is significant.

"The cost to repair the equipment, remove the paint and assess any safety implications or wider damage will run into thousands of pounds. But it is the impact on the local community that sickens me the most. These facilities were due to open in time for local families to make the most of the park during the summer holidays and now that will be delayed due to the actions of a small number of people.

"This has been reported as a crime and we are working with our colleagues in Merseyside Police to review CCTV from the area and find those responsible. Lets be absolutely clear, we will take every step possible to find those responsible and ensure they understand the impact of their actions.

[Halewood play park has been vandalised before its opening date]

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Halewood play park has been vandalised before its opening date

Knowsley Council is investing 1m in Finch Woods thanks to Section 106 developer contributions associated with the East of Halewood housing development.

A part of the project was to create a new play area that includes a separate junior and toddler play area connected via a sensory path. New equipment suitable for ages 0-14 has been installed in recent weeks including new swings, slides, climbing frames, accessible and inclusive equipment and sensory panels.

Finishing touches were set for this week, with the park expected to open in the coming days. But now, the council will concentrate its efforts on repairing the damage and making sure it is safe to use.

Cllr Morgan added: "We will work round the clock to get this park repaired and open for the local community to enjoy. But given that this damage has occurred even before the park has officially opened really does concern me. We need to find those responsible and do all we can to ensure this kind of mindless vandalism doesnt happen again.

[Halewood play park has been vandalised before its opening date]

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Halewood play park has been vandalised before its opening date(Image: Knowsley Council)

"I would ask everyone in the local community for their support. If you know anything about this please get in touch. Maybe you have spotted blue or yellow spray paints on clothes or hands or maybe you saw something over the weekend.

"Any information is important and will be treated confidentially. Together we need to do all we can to weed out this kind of behaviour and ensure community facilities can be enjoyed not destroyed."

Anyone with information is encouraged to speak to Merseyside Police via 101 quoting crime reference 26000645447, via the Merseyside Police website or by direct message on Facebook and X @MerPolCC

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