Erewash Borough Council has hit out at vandals who have damaged the newly refurbished bandstand at Victoria Park in Ilkeston.
The mindless vandals smashed glass panels, damaged paintwork and woodwork during the evening of Sunday 12 February.
The council has leafleted nearby properties asking if anyone saw or heard anything in an attempt to identify the vandals involved.
Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:
“I don’t think anyone could find the words that adequately sum up the anger, frustration, disbelief and disappointment we feel at this vandalism. Victoria Park is much loved by the local community and we have received many compliments for the restored key features within the Green Flag park.
“We need local people to help us fight this problem – we can’t do it alone. Please be our eyes and ears and tell us or the police if you know who is destroying this historic feature of the park.
Anyone with information should contact the Police on 101 quoting crime reference 17000062402 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The park is currently undergoing major restoration work on key features after the council secured £740,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund.
As part of the heritage project, a new Community Ranger, Helen Mitchem, has been appointed and she is keen to hear from residents who would like to join the Friends of Victoria Park or join her as volunteer rangers to help be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the park. Anyone interested can email helen.mitchem@erewash.gov.uk or call her on 0115 907 2244.
