WISBECH ST MARY: Town's top cop promises swift action to counter possible vandalism at play park

By ADAM LAZZARI

WISBECH'S top policeman has promised to take a hard line on anyone attempting to vandalise a �75,000 play park which was opened in Wisbech St Mary this week.

Wisbech sector commander, inspector Robin Sissons, expressed concerns after reports of vandalism and teenagers starting fires with aerosol cans.

Four fires have been reported in the village in 10 days and some security fencing around the outside of the park has been damaged but no equipment in the park has been vandalised.

Insp Sissons said: "There will be a regular police presence at the park and we will be taking a hard line on anyone found to be offending.

"There seems to be a small group of teenagers from the village starting fires and making a nuisance of themselves and they should know that of we catch anyone we will prosecute.

"I am concerned that these children starting fires with aerosol cans are putting themselves at risk of serious injury.

"I would urge parents to make sure they are aware of what their children are doing in the evenings and for people in the village to report crimes to us if they see anything. Any children at school should tell their teachers if they here of any vandalism. We need to work together to ensure that this brilliant new facility is not ruined by a few."

The park was officially opened on Tuesday.

Fifty thousand pounds came from Cambridgeshire County Council, �10,700 from Fenland District Council and the remainder was raised by the local community.

Martin Holmes, a trustee of the Wisbech St Mary Sports and Community Centre, said: "We are determined to work alongside the police to ensure that the actions of a small minority of people to destroy the enjoyment of everyone.

"We are now looking to secure more funding to provide some facilities for older teenagers.