Police action to target park vandals

A spate of attacks by vandals in Queen’s Park has led to broken swings, damage to the cricket pavilion, stones being removed from walls and hedges pulled out.

Police have now begun joint patrols alongside staff from Chesterfield Borough Council to deter people from using the park after hours and to target culprits.

Community support officer Hannah Blockwell, of the Holmebrook and Rother Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The damage has been costly for the council to repair and it is unfair to other people who want to enjoy the facilities during the daytime. We will be working with the council to address these issues around anti-social behaviour by carrying out regular patrols and officers will be taking action against any offenders.”

Coun Chris Ludlow, executive member for the environment at the council, said: “Queen’s Park is a much loved part of Chesterfield and is used all year round by thousands of residents and visitors. We won’t stand by and let this thoughtless vandalism spoil what is a beautiful and cherished part of our borough.”