Call for extra CCTV after park vandalism 'spree'

There are calls for increased CCTV in Grantham's parks after a skatepark was vandalised just months after it was opened.

Councillor Matthew Bailey told a meeting there had been a "spree" of vandalism in the town's parks adding that inappropriate graffiti had been sprayed on the skating facility in Wyndham Park which opened at Christmas.

Karen Whitfield, assistant director for leisure, culture and place at South Kesteven District Council, said funding had been approved for additional CCTV cameras to cover the skatepark.

A council spokesperson said the graffiti had been removed.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Bailey told the meeting it was "upsetting to see it being vandalised in such a way".

"My ask is we're putting a lot of investment into our play areas and of course we need to protect them," he said.

"I believe we do need more cameras to deter people so hopefully people do look after the facilities that we're providing to them."

The meeting heard that plans have also recently been submitted for two 20ft (6m) high CCTV poles and cameras at Dysart Park in the town.

A total of £436,000 has been invested on improving parks across South Kesteven.

Around £100,000 has also been allocated towards improving Arnoldfield play area in Grantham to replace timber equipment, with work expected to begin in November.

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