Security stepped up to prevent vandals from further delaying opening of �1million Wisbech playground

SECURITY has been stepped up at an �1million playground in Wisbech to prevent vandals from causing further damage that has already delayed the opening.

Two 65-foot barges were lifted onto the site last week but fell foul to vandals in a matter of days. All of the windows were smashed, doors and skylights were rammed and fire extinguishers were set off on the inside.

The Waterlees playground, which has come under constant criticism from near-by residents, is being designed as a way to reduce anti-social behaviour around the area.

Jane Leet, Partnership Manager at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “We have had problems with people accessing the site so we’ve now employed security guards to make sure the gates are secure at 8pm every evening.

“A security guard will remain on site during the night when the contractors aren’t there.

“It’s costing a bit of money but we think it’s worth the savings to ensure that no further damage is done to the facility.”

The county council are unsure as to whether the recent spate of vandalism has pushed the park’s opening back further but are hopeful that damage which has been caused can be repaired quickly.

“It’s possible that the vandalism could delay the opening but we’re working as hard as we can to keep the opening on track,” she said.

“We think it’s really important to be able to get the young people in to use the facility properly with our staff in place.

“Because of the vandalism contractors are now spending additional time repairing the damage which has been caused so it may mean a small delay to the opening.”

The vessels will eventually be used as classrooms and will provide kitchen, changing and toilet facilities.