Vandal attacks on Kelso playparks could lead to closures, warn police

Outrage has been expressed after damage was caused to the playparks in Shedden Park and Farrier Court, with safety tiles ripped up, fences and gates damaged and broken bottles strewn around.

The vandal attacks, with the most significant damage caused last weekend, are not isolated incidents with reports of a surge in anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Earlier this month police launched a crackdown when a group of around 60 youths gathered in Kelso Square.

They were dispersed with a 15-year-old boy arrested in connection with a breach of the peace and a quantity of alcohol seized.

Sgt Gavin Liddle, of Scottish Borders Community Action Team, said the latest attacks placed the safety of children at risk and called for the pubic’s help in identifying the culprits.

He said: “The damage caused at both locations includes ripping up safety tiles around the equipment, which are there to ensure the safety of children. We have seen a marked increase in the number of young people in the town over recent weekends and an associated rise in anti-social behaviour over that period.

“We will be increasing patrols in the area, but need the assistance of the public to address this issue. I would urge parents to make sure you know where your children are going at the weekend. Ask them what their plans are? If they’re going out, where are they going, who are they with and why? Also are they obeying new restrictions with regard to Covid-19?

“Should there be further damage to playparks in the area, they may be deemed unsafe and closed off until they can be repaired, denying the community the use of these areas due to the selfish, inexcusable behaviour of the minority.”

The attacks have been condemned by town councillors.

Councillor Tom Weatherston said: “These continued acts of vandalism in our local parks is disgusting and we really need to get this stopped.

“Not only is it very expensive to keep repairing these areas, it’s making them dangerous until they are closed and depriving other people of enjoying the facilities.

“It’s a very small minority who are spoiling this for everyone and I would ask anyone who sees anything suspicious to call the police. It’s a challenge funding these areas and keeping them open and continued acts like this certainly don’t help.”

Town provost Dean Weatherston added: “It’s extremely disappointing that just before the first anniversary of the opening of the new and improved playpark within Shedden Park we have seen significant vandalism. This along with other incidents at other playparks simply jeopardise their future.

“At a time when the council is decommissioning them it gives them more reason to close more.

“The costs of repair won’t be cheap. What is most disappointing is there seems to be very little being done about it by parents or the authorities.”

Councillor Robin Tatler, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for community development and localities, said: “This is a hugely irresponsible act, causing damage to two play parks in the Kelso area, including the new play facility in Shedden Park which was opened only last year.

“We know this is a challenging time with a number of restrictions in place but there is no excuse for vandalism of this kind and would ask everyone to play their part and respect our community play parks so they can continue to be enjoyed by families.”

Anyone with any information should call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1276 of the 21st of September, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.