A COUNCILLOR has spoken of his sadness in having to question the action – but is asking whether there is any point in the local authority throwing good money after bad and replacing playground equipment that is being repeatedly vandalised.

Cllr John Allen, who represents the Tilbury St Chads ward, says plans by the council to spend £6,000 replacing swings that have been vandalised are laudable but agrees with officers that unless there is a sea change respect for community facilities there is little point in keep doing it.

Cllr Allen spoke up after receiving a letter regarding the Cowper Avenue and Fielding Avenue park from Daren Spring, Assistant Director of Street Scene & Leisure, Environment & Highways.

Mr Spring says: "I am aware that you had previously 'on numerous occasions I add' raised with us that the play area required new swings.

"So the team repaired the cradle swings, replaced the flat swings and frame at the cost of approximately £6,000. The new swings have only been installed approximately six to eight weeks and it is unfortunate that a small number of individuals take it upon themselves to damage the play equipment in this way and prevent them from being used by others more deserving.

"This vandalism has been reported to Police and I have notified our Community Safety Partnership Team to ascertain if there has been other anti-social behavior in the area. It is our intention to replace the swings once again.

"But due to the potential cost of ongoing vandalism we will monitor this equipment over the coming months and further acts of vandalism in the area may prevent us from replacing this equipment again in the future."

Cllr Allen comments: "There comes a time where I fully understand where council stand with this "mindless vandalism.

'There comes a time when replacing such expensive equipment only for it to be destroyed seems to me that large amounts of public money is just being wasted.

"Even though this equipment is supplied in good faith by the council so the children of the community can enjoy it. A few feel they need to take it away from the more deserving. It is so sad."